And Now the Screaming Starts!

And Now the Screaming Starts! is a gripping British horror film released in 1973. It boasts a star cast including Peter Cushing, Herbert Lom, and Patrick Magee and is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Roy Ward Baker. The film is an amalgamation of Gothic horror, suspense, and psychological thriller. It packs all attributes of a traditional 1960s and '70s horror movie: a haunted mansion, a curse, a set of eerie characters, and a chilling soundtrack. The movie carries an essence of classic tale of revenge, mystery and supernatural occurrences.

The movie is set in the late 18th century England, specifically revolving around the cursed Fengriffen Estate. The plot commences with the newlyweds, Catherine (Stephanie Beacham) and Charles Fengriffen (Ian Ogilvy), who are set to start their life at this mansion. Catherine, soon after stepping on the estate, is exposed to strange visions and visitations. Her terrifying experiences escalate after she becomes pregnant, pushing her to the fringes of sanity.

Peter Cushing gives a riveting performance as Dr. Pope, a caring and competent psychiatrist who is brought in to explore and reason Catherine's experiences. He reaches out to find the root cause of her terrifying nightmares and hallucinations. His character isn't just a conventional horror movie clinician. Being rational and pragmatic, he follows a scientific approach initially, but turns into a pseudo-detective as he digs into the shocking past of the Fengriffen family.

Popularly known for playing villains, Herbert Lom impresses with his top-drawer performance as the malevolent spirit. His striking presence forms an integral part of the atmosphere and suspense the movie manages to build. Meanwhile, Patrick Magee creates an aura of trepidation in his role as a defaced woodsman, making every appearance a chilling experience.

The screenplay by Roger Marshall is marked by chilling surprises and eerie encounters, keeping the viewers on edge. Director Roy Ward Baker skillfully exhibits his talent in narrating a horrifying story, coupling a vintage cinematic atmosphere with a modern narrative style. The filmmakers undoubtedly leverage the charm of the Gothic aesthetic to its fullest, with the aged mansion, eerie interiors, foggy landscapes, and antique costumes.

No good horror movie is complete without a memorable musical score, and this movie is no exception. The film’s eerie and chilling musical arrangements accentuate the horror, making it a quintessential element of the film. Every crescendo in the soundtrack coincides with the dramatic escalation in the narrative, keeping the audiences hooked.

Despite being a horror flick, the movie exhibits a deeper exploration of themes such as repression, generational guilt, and the implications of one's actions on their descendants. The film’s narrative keeps alternating between past and present, unveiling bit by bit why the supernatural is haunting the current generation of the Fengriffen family. This constant transition between two timelines presents a gripping narrative that separates it from typical horror movies.

And Now the Screaming Starts! is applauded for its superior application of aesthetics that adds an extra layer of fright. The cinematography by Denys Coop manages to incorporate atmospheric and moody visuals to this horrifying ride, giving the movie an edge over run-of-the-mill horror films of the era. Its blend of Gothic horror and psychological thriller elements makes it an engaging watch.

Overall, And Now the Screaming Starts! impresses with its haunting narrative, engaging performances, and horrifying yet intriguing premise. It is a film that invites its viewers to a bone-chilling experience, unfolding the horrifying past and consequent curse of the Fengriffen family. Fans of horror genres, especially those who appreciate the chilling tales of the 70s, will certainly appreciate the attention to detail and atmospheric storytelling of this film. It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking a spine-tingling experience blended with great performances and an underlying, thought-provoking theme.