Jennifer

Jennifer, released in 1978, is a supernatural horror film directed by Brice Mack and written by Kay Cousins Johnson. This spellbinding movie delves into the realms of the supernatural, teenage rebellion, and social hierarchy. It boasts a compelling storyline peppered with twists and turns, making for an intriguing viewing experience, highlighted by chilling horror scenes, despite its modest budget.

In the lead role, Lisa Pelikan excels as the eponymous character, Jennifer Baylor, while Bert Convy and Nina Foch also grace the cast with their distinctive performances. The film centers on Jennifer, a shy, misunderstood young girl from an underprivileged background who struggles to fit in, mainly due to her low socio-economic status.

Jennifer’s life takes a significant turn when she finds herself in Green View, an elite Southern California boarding school. Instead of a welcoming school environment, Jennifer encounters the unpleasant and harsh elitist culture. She comes face-to-face with an unrelenting group of rich, snobbish students who make it their mission to ostracize and bully her because of her less-privileged background. These wealthy kids, led by Sandra Tremayne (played by Amy Johnston), display their status, flaunting their privilege while tormenting Jennifer through constant bullying and peer pressure.

Pelikan's portrayal of Jennifer as a young, sympathetic character struggling to navigate the rigid class system is not only heartfelt but also intriguing. The tension escalates as Jennifer is not an average teenager but one with an uncanny secret gift.

Jennifer’s father taught her how to leverage her extraordinary ability to communicate with and control snakes. Although this skill sets her apart in society, it also uniquely empowers her. This talent, coupled with her unyielding strength and resilience, fascinates and intimidates those around Jennifer. The movie oscillates between Jennifer's daily life, juggling school woes, and the supernatural elements involving her unusual abilities.

Bert Convy plays a pivotal role as a charming yet manipulative teacher named Jeff Reed. Reed has a deeply ingrained elitist thinking characteristic of the school's culture and administers preferential treatment to the wealthier students. However, his encounter with Jennifer sets a new discourse as she steadily reveals her extramural abilities. This interaction between Jennifer and Jeff aids in engaging audience interest, contributing to the film's overall suspense.

Nina Foch plays a significant role as the school headmistress, Miss Foley. Miss Foley's character adds a unique layer of complexity to the story. The headmistress constantly finds herself getting involved with Jennifer, torn between a need to protect her institution's reputation and a genuine concern for Jennifer.

The cinematography is worth mentioning too, as its clever use of light and dark creates an eerie and atmospheric ambiance, adding an extra layer of suspense to the film. The sounds of hissing snakes also build up the tension, making the audiences grip their seats.

Jennifer is not your quintessential horror movie. It pushes boundaries by touching on the theme of social inequality amidst the horror elements. Jennifer's character has been deftly crafted to be both enthralling and sympathetic, giving the audiences a stark glimpse of the intense class divide and social prejudice.

Furthermore, the movie plays sensitively with the supernatural, incorporating Jennifer's unique talent into the storyline organically. It perfectly blends the haunting terror brought by her unusual abilities with her necessary survival battles in the face of adversity. The multiple narrative layers contribute to Jennifer remaining far from a one-dimensional horror film.

In conclusion, Jennifer embodies a masterful fusion of horror and social commentary, creating an uncanny, electrifying yet thought-provoking viewing experience. The excellent performances, coupled with the atmospheric setup and compelling storyline, make it a landmark film of the late '70s. For fans of supernatural horror with a side of rich social context, Jennifer is a must-watch.