Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil

Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil is a classic 1991 horror film directed by Clay Borris. The fourth installment in the Prom Night series brings back the thrill, horror, and mystery that people have come to expect, but this time around, the plot takes on a more religious twist. The movie stars Nicole de Boer, J.H. Wyman, and Joy Tanner, who each bring distinct performances and add depth to their characters in this horrific thriller.

The movie opens thirty years in the past, in the cine typical prom night setting, but the romance and rave are disrupted by a horrifyingly dramatic incident. This event shapes the narrative for the rest of the movie, as we are shown how that dreadful act has left a dark mark on the present. The story behind the incident revolves around a priest who gets possessed by an unknown evil artifact, leading the church to intervene and put him in a coma to prevent any further mayhem.

Thirty years later, the movie shifts gears and introduces us to the younger generation, comprising of three teenage couples looking forward to their prom night celebration. The protagonists are Mark (played by J.H. Wyman) and his girlfriend, Megan (played by Nicole de Boer). Along with their two other couple friends, they forgo the usual prom dance set up and choose instead to spend their night in the old church where the comatose priest resides.

Unaware of the church's history and the lurking nightmare, they set off in merriment. The evil lurking within the church is awakened, spelling terror for the young group. What was supposed to be an enjoyable night turns into a disturbing endeavor to survive against the demonic entity. Throughout this deadly night, the young group has to confront their deepest fears and fight against the unrelenting evil that has befallen them.

Nicole de Boer, best known for her role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, leads the group as Megan, demonstrating plucky courage and vulnerability at the same time. J.H. Wyman, as Mark, brings in the element of machismo yet has a tender side that is protective of his friends. Joy Tanner, as Laura, adds another layer to the dynamic, and each character finds themselves tested to their utmost limits dealing with gruesome and unexpected situations.

Cinematographer Manfred Guthe complements the narrative with adept camerawork, creating a terrifying ambiance that intensifies the gruesome events unfolding on-screen. The interior of the church is well used to generate an eerie atmosphere, and the sporadic lighting ensures that the audience is on a constant edge. The film benefits from the deft work of the editing team of Nick Rotundo and Nick Rotundo who keep the tension taut through tight cuts and an evocative background score.

Clay Borris's direction keeps a measured pace, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally without rushing the developments. He demonstrates an apt handling of the horror genre, focusing on not just the gruesome but also the atmospheric ambiance, leading to the creation of a chilling experience. Screenwriters Richard Beattie and Tommy Lee Wallace pack the script with suspense, action, and high-stakes drama.

Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil is a rewarding watch for both newcomers and veterans of the horror genre. With its unique mix of teen drama and religious horror, this addition to the Prom Night series offers viewers a shocking and suspenseful experience. Strong performances, atmospheric sets, thoughtful direction, and a script that keeps you guessing make this movie a must-watch horror classic from the early nineties. While it is part of the Prom Night series, it stands alone in its storyline, making it a movie that can be enjoyed as a standalone film. Despite the heavy underpinnings of malevolence and dread, the presence of friendship and bonding among the main characters gives the movie its heart amidst the horror.

Overall, Prom Night IV: Deliver Us from Evil is a retro horror gem that continues the Prom Night legacy with its compelling characters, gripping plot, and haunting atmosphere. It thrusts viewers into a thrilling narrative of survival against evil, promising chills, spills, and high-pitched screams along the way.