EP 20: IT'S ALIVE (1974) vs. PREVENGE (2016)
“It’s Baby Blues!”
Baby fever hits us with the legendary IT'S ALIVE (1974) from cult icon LARRY COHEN, followed by ALICE LOWE's piece of British brilliance PREVENGE (2016)! Filled with wit, satire, blood and murderous fetuses, it's time for a cinema bris!
It's "Baby Blues," this week on CULT and CLASSIC Podcast!
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Host: Nate Wyckoff
Panelists: Jeffrey Tucker, Tad Mastroianni, Amanda Longley, & Greg Johnson
More on IT’S ALIVE (1974):
"It's Alive" is a 1974 horror film directed by Larry Cohen that delves into the chilling concept of monstrous offspring. The movie follows the chilling journey of the Davies family who give birth to a deformed, bloodthirsty creature. The story unfolds with Frank and Lenore Davies expecting their second child, unaware that their baby will be born as a grotesque mutant. As panic ensues, the creature embarks on a murderous rampage, leaving a trail of shock and terror in its wake.
The film skillfully explores themes of parental love, societal horror, and the fear of the unknown. As the Davies family becomes the target of media attention, they grapple with the moral and ethical dilemma of nurturing a being that society deems a monster. The central conflict arises as Frank, driven by his fatherly instincts, seeks a path of empathy and understanding to protect his child, while the rest of society clamors for the creature's eradication.
"It's Alive" delivers a palpable sense of suspense and tension through its dark atmospheres and masterful use of practical effects. Larry Cohen's direction breathes life into the narrative, providing audiences with moments of genuine horror and heart-pounding thrills. The film's claustrophobic cinematography and eerie score further amplify the unsettling tone, driving home the nightmarish reality of the Davies' situation.
In conclusion, "It's Alive" is a cult classic that expertly blends horror and social commentary. It lingers in viewers' minds, posing challenging questions about the boundaries of parental love and the fear of the unknown. This gripping tale of monstrous birth and its chilling consequences is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts seeking a timeless cinematic experience.
More on PREVENGE (2016):
"Prevenge," directed by Alice Lowe, is a unique and darkly humorous film that weaves together elements of horror and black comedy in a truly captivating way. Released in 2016, this British indie gem takes audiences on a disturbing journey through the mind of a pregnant woman seeking revenge for a tragedy in her life.
The protagonist, Ruth, played brilliantly by Alice Lowe herself, is seven months pregnant and dealing with the recent death of her partner. Consumed by grief and driven by a mysterious whispering voice within her, Ruth begins to believe that her unborn child is commanding her to commit a series of murders. As she embarks on her gruesome journey, the viewer is left questioning whether Ruth's actions are a result of her own madness or if her unborn baby truly possesses some sinister power.
Lowe's directorial debut is grounded by a pitch-perfect performance, blending vulnerability, paranoia, and even a touch of empathy into Ruth's character. "Prevenge" delves deep into the complex and often taboo subject of maternal ambivalence, highlighting society's expectation for women to be nurturing even in extreme circumstances. With its witty dialogue, dark comedic moments, and unflinching exploration of the dark side of motherhood, "Prevenge" offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the horror genre, making it a must-watch for fans of unconventional cinema.