Deadly Blessing

Deadly Blessing is a chilling horror film released in 1981, directed by acclaimed horror master Wes Craven. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Maren Jensen, in her final film role before retiring from acting, and a young Sharon Stone in one of her earliest film roles. Co-starring with them is Susan Buckner, known for her role in the musical film Grease.

The primary setting of Deadly Blessing is in a secluded rural region filled with extensive farmlands run by an orthodox religious cult known as the Hittites. The Hittites are analogous to the Amish in some ways, shunning modern technology and clinging fiercely to traditional ways of life, but they take it to the extreme, becoming a stern, billionaire, and sinister community filled with suspicion, superstition, and radical beliefs. They consider everything outside their community to be evil and refer to it as the "incubus." This narrative provides a moody, atmospheric background for the story to take place.

At the center of the story is the Lamb family — Martha (Maren Jensen) and her husband, Jim (Douglas Barr), who was previously a part of the Hittite community but disowned his roots to marry outside the cult. Their peaceful life is disrupted after a shocking event takes place, which leads to Martha finding herself a widow. Trying to cope with her grief, Martha invites her two friends from the city, Lana (Sharon Stone) and Vicky (Susan Buckner), to stay with her at the farm.

However, the Hittite community and its intense leader, Isaiah Schmidt (Ernest Borgnine), are less than thrilled with the arrival of these outsiders, who they view as temptresses bringing the "incubus" into their serene and devout world. This tension fosters a climate of terror and suspicion around the tragic events unfolding in their vicinity, which only escalates with the series of eerie occurrences, weird dreams, and frightening sightings that Martha, Lana, and Vicky start to experience.

As the dreadful incidents intensify, each woman becomes convinced that something evil is stalking them. Are these terrifying events mere accidents, or the product of a disturbed mind or is something supernatural at play? This question forms the crux of the film and keeps the audience on their toes.

Thriving on horror and suspense, Deadly Blessing masterfully exploits the fear of the unknown, combined with chilling dream sequences styled in true Wes Craven fashion. Craven's signature style shines through, particularly in his manipulations of traditional horror elements to instill fear and panic, along with his skill at creating two very different but striking moods: the alien, troubling world of the Hittites, and the peril that the three city women face.

In terms of performances, Jensen, Stone, and Buckner deliver roles filled with vulnerability, fear but also defiance. Their characters are more complex than the average female characters seen in many horror films of this era, which adds additional layers to the film. Ernest Borgnine, as the intimidating Isaiah Schmidt, makes a significant impact, presenting a character who is supremacist and severe, yet strangely compelling.

Mixed with thriller and mystery genres, Deadly Blessing also comfortably houses dramatic plot twists and a wide array of elements that'd surely satisfy any die-hard horror fan. Yet, it still remains accessible to those who may not be familiar with Wes Craven's earlier works, or the genre as a whole.

From its haunting music score to its unpredictable story, Deadly Blessing is a must-watch for every horror enthusiast. Through a mixture of suspense, mystery, and pure horror, it provides a glimpse into Craven's remarkable ability to construct atmospheric tension. The film offers plenty of scares, intriguing puzzle pieces, and richly drawn characters, making it a fascinating and underrated entry in Wes Craven's filmography. With its surprising developments and suspenseful climax, Deadly Blessing will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what could possibly happen next.