It's Alive

It's Alive (Unrated) is a chillingly engaging horror film from 1974, written and directed by the acclaimed Larry Cohen. The movie features commanding performances by John P. Ryan, Sharon Farrell, and Andrew Duggan, and remains a classic within the horror genre due to its distinct blend of thrills, suspense, and horror.

In It's Alive, John P. Ryan is introduced as Frank Davis, a middle-class man who takes on the setting's tumult with outstanding conviction and believability. At the onset, Davis' life seems serene, leading a typical suburban existence with his wife, Lenore, played by Sharon Farrell. However, the tranquility is short-lived, and their peaceful world is thrown off-balance with the birth of their second child.

It's Alive hinges its plot around this newborn, who is far from ordinary. As the narrative unfurls, the Davises are confronted with horrifying realities that they must navigate with utmost courage and determination. The twisted combination of elements that nestles into the mundane reality of a middle-class family's life marks the uniqueness of this tapestry fright.

Farrell creates a masterstroke with her portrayal of Lenore Davis, juggling the contours of a loving wife, a hopeful mother, and a woman summing up the courage amid seemingly indomitable challenges. Her visceral performances emblazon the film with a distinct human touch, juxtaposed against unimaginable horrors. Andrew Duggan further adds depth to the narrative with his charismatic presence and coherent acting.

Director Larry Cohen's genius lies in the way he masterfully crafts the environment in It's Alive. The movie is laden with dread and anticipation that never seems to wane. Throughout the course of the movie, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, fostering a sense of apprehension with every sequence. The suspense and thrill are subtly intertwined, resulting in a raw spectacle of horror, which is further bolstered by Cohen's meticulous attention to details.

Towards the technical aspects of the film, the special effects used in It's Alive are remarkable compared to other movies of the same period. The focal point of the chills comes from the monstrous newborn, whose terror is effectively delivered without over-reliance on gore. The creature effects, designed and executed by Rick Baker, still stand up today and remain one of the film's most impressive elements.

Sound design in It's Alive is stark, with a palpable sense of eeriness molded into the score, effectively contributing to the atmosphere of incessant dread. The haunting melodic patterns reflect the strokes of horror that color the narrative. Oscar-winning composer Bernard Herrmann, known for his collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, created the unnerving musical arrangement, which significantly amplifies the film's horrifying undertone.

Despite marking its territory in the horror genre, It's Alive exhibits a subtle commentary on societal norms and pressures. The movie introspects family dynamics and parental love against the backdrop of chaotic and unforeseen turmoil. Cohen's impressive knack of imparting insightful underlying themes weaving into such a terrifying scenario adds a layer of depth to It's Alive, making it linger in the minds of the audience long after its viewing.

It's Alive brilliantly succeeds in maintaining the suspense throughout the movie, scaring viewers not just with its horrific sequence but equally with its thrilling narrative. The horror initiates right from the beginning and grows firm roots throughout the movie, leading to an exhilarating climax and resolution.

In conclusion, It's Alive is more than a typical horror flick; it's a fine blend of suspense, horror, and thought-provoking themes successfully married with convincing performances by the lead actors. Its notoriety, undeniably, lies in its bone-chilling storyline. However, the strength of the movie also resides in how it explores human relationships, poses questions about societal expectations, and still stands as a testament to a time when horror had a lot more to offer than just jump-scares. For the fans of the genre, It's Alive is a must-watch, leaving you with an eerie sensation that promises to linger longer than expected.