Grotesque

Grotesque is a 1987 horror and mystery film featuring Linda Blair, Tab Hunter, and Donna Wilkes. Directed by Joe Tornatore and produced by Michael Viner, the movie offers an interesting blend of suspense, horrifying elements, and surprises. The movie is known for its unpredictable narrative that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.

Grotesque introduces us to the world of Hollywood veteran Orville Kruger, played by Tab Hunter. This character, a famed Hollywood makeup artist has retired from his busy life to enjoy a comfortable life in his mountain cabin. Linda Blair, who plays the character of Lisa Kruger, shares her screen time with popular actor Guy Stockwell (portraying the character of Orville’s old friend, Rod). Blair’s character, Lisa, is Orville’s enthusiastic and high-spirited daughter who decides to visit her father, along with her friend Kathy (portrayed by Donna Wilkes) for a laid-back weekend in the mountains.

However, their peaceful retreat quickly takes a horrific turn as a gang of cruel punks invades their sanctity. Led by the ruthless and predatory Scratch, portrayed by Brad Wilson, the gang shows no sympathy toward their targets. They initiate their reign of terror, sowing fear, and transforming the tranquil retreat into a nightmare. The isolation of the cabin and the uncontrollable gang add tense elements to an already gripping plot.

The film’s ambience dramatically shifts when the group stumbles upon Orville's grotesque creations, ghastly figures created from his Hollywood special-effects expertise. The appearance of these grotesque creatures underlines the sense of horror in the movie. A chillingly eerie atmosphere pervades the rest of the movie as the tables start to turn, raising questions about who’s preying on who, in this remote and quiet corner of the world.

Grotesque allow its spectators to experience a rollercoaster of emotions. With interplaying elements of suspense, horror, and thrills, the movie garners and maintains viewer interest throughout the storyline. The film has several surprising twists and the director does a commendable job in carefully revealing the plot in a way that keeps the audience guessing, and therapeutically entertained.

Grotesque features sterling performances from its ensemble cast. Linda Blair, well-known for her horror genre credentials, exhibits an admirable aura of fearlessness and vulnerability at the same time. Her character, Lisa, aims to redeem herself and refuses to be subject to violence, transforming into an unexpected avenger. On the other hand, Tab Hunter, as Orville Kruger, is an epitome of calm yet cryptic demeanor. His performance, peppered with dark humor, adds a distinct layer to this twisted tale. Donna Wilkes, portraying Kathy, does justice to her role as an innocent visitor trapped in unimaginable terror, handling her character’s various emotional transitions with finesse. Brad Wilson, as the gang leader Scratch, manages to emanate an aura of unbridled cruelty and malicious intent effectively.

The cinematic techniques used in the movie heighten its appeal. The dire ambiance of the secluded cabin, the peculiar prosthetic works, and the contrasting scenes of a peaceful mountain retreat being transformed into a site of terror, all contribute to the film's harrowing effect.

Grotesque’s intriguing story along with large doses of edge-of-your-seat suspense manages to keep viewers engaged, making for a unique viewing experience. The film artfully uncovers the layers of its narrative with each passing minute, making the grotesque terror central to the plot. This film gallantly traverses through the complexities of the human will to survive when faced with unimaginable odds.

The film underscores its ability to thrill, frighten, and surprise viewers, all the while forcing them to ask themselves, "what would you do in a situation like this?" Viewers are likely to get pulled into the world of Grotesque and become emotionally invested in the fates of the characters. Disguised as a horror movie, Grotesque ultimately offers viewers a disturbing, yet satisfyingly complex cinematic journey. If one is a fan of horror thrillers with fascinating plot twists, Grotesque from 1987 should be added to their must-watch list.