Beyond Evil

Beyond Evil is an engaging and thrilling supernatural horror film released in 1980. Larry Cohen penned the script, while Herb Freed took charge of the director's chair. The movie features accomplished stars like John Saxon, who is known for his impressive career in horror films, Lynda Day George who brings her talent to the paranormal genre, and a robust supporting cast that boosts the overall execution of the plot.

The movie centers around an American couple, Larry and Barbara, portrayed by John Saxon and Lynda Day George, who find themselves drawn into eerie and supernatural occurrences after they move into an old colonial mansion in an unspecified island community. The mansion, grand and impressive, is rumored to be cursed – a house from which few have emerged unscathed, but the couple moves in, dismissive of the local folklore.

The island's historical background plays a crucial role in the story. It has been home to a lineage of wealthy aristocrats known for their ungodly practices, suspected of having an ominous connection with dark supernatural forces. The last of this lineage, a renowned wealthy heiress, mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind a trail of ancient occult and eeriness that lingers in the mansion.

As Larry and Barbara settle in, they start witnessing inexplicable incidents that escalate into nightmarish experiences – objects moving on their own, unsettling whispers in dark corners, sudden temperature drops, and inexplicable mood changes— all signs pointing towards an otherworldly existence inside their new home. The couple, initially skeptics, start questioning their understanding of reality as they try to unravel the house's centuries-old secret.

The plot also introduces intriguing subplots which portray how the once peaceful and loving couple's relationship begins to strain under the impact of the haunting that increasingly grows more aggressive. Barbara, particularly, seems to bear the brunt of the eerie occurrences, leading to heightened suspense in the narrative.

The director successfully taps into psychological horror elements, crafting an atmospheric film that is both visually captivating and fear-inducing. The ominous setting, combined with a haunting soundtrack, plays into the narrative's macabre nature, building suspense and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Beyond Evil shows ample evidence of being a product of its time. The special effects and makeup, while primitive by today's standards, adds to the film's overall charm. The visual aesthetics, set designs, and atmospheric lighting are instrumental in creating an ambience of constant dread and foreboding.

Beyond Evil manages to weave together many familiar elements of horror that fans of the genre will appreciate. The themes of haunted houses, occult practices, possession, and supernatural phenomena are explored with a degree of expertise that results in quite an unnerving viewing experience.

One of the film's significant draws is John Saxon's compelling performance as the skeptical architect Larry who slowly comes to terms with the horrifying reality. Lynda Day George's portrayal of a woman unknowingly caught in a web of paranormal occurrences adds another layer to the narrative, making the movie more gripping. The supporting cast, including the local doctor and Barbara's friend, play their roles to the hilt, portraying a community weighed down by its dark past.

At its core, Beyond Evil is a tale of a seemingly harmless decision morphing into a terrifying journey into the unknown. It serves as a chilling reminder of the classic trope that sometimes, ancient folklore and tales are not as fictional as we believe them to be. The movie, with its suspenseful plot and skilled performances, is a must-watch for classic horror buffs who enjoy a good scare that stays with them long after the credits roll.