Rabid Grannies

Rabid Grannies, a 1988 horror comedy movie directed by Emmanuel Kervyn, is characterized by gruesome effects, absurdist humor, and shockingly violent twists – a morbidly delightful romp for fans of the over-the-top horror genre.

The film features a notable cast, including Catherine Aymerie, Caroline Braeckman, and Richard Cotica. These stellar performances, combined with the distinctive and envelope-pushing direction style of Kervyn, make Rabid Grannies a standout film in its class. This Belgian-made classic holds its place in the international horror genre with its unique blend of comedy, grotesque horror, and a storyline that diverges from conventional horror scripts.

The plot of Rabid Grannies centers around two elderly wealthy sisters, toasting to another year of life with their extended family during an elaborate birthday feast held in their grand manor house. Dark humor combats tension as family secrets are unveiled and personal motives are explored. The characters are all stereotypes, representing a wide spectrum of family dynamics: greedy relatives eagerly awaiting their inheritance, rebellious younger family members, hypocritical clergymen, ex-military men with a haunted past, and endearing servants.

The twist arrives in the form of a grotesque gift from a disgraced and excluded family member. Once the ominous package is opened by the celebrating seniors, its contents trigger an outrageous and shocking transformation. The sweet old women morph into monstrous demonic cannibals, leading the story into the realm of gory horror and insanity. The once happy family gathering abruptly changes, as the guests find themselves fighting for survival trapped in a maze-like mansion with their rabid relations.

Rabid Grannies' story progression gives audiences a fair share of comedic relief, often whenever tension reaches its peak. Every death scene becomes more farcical and grandiose, in keeping with the film's overall blend of absurdity, humor, and horror.

In terms of makeup and special effects, Rabid Grannies does not shy away from fully showcasing the plentiful gore and lurid transformation scenes characterized by the 80s horror genre. The make-up effects used to transform the elderly sisters into beastly apparitions are startlingly convincing without deviating too far into the realm of absurdity. Gory scenes often blur the line between humor and grotesqueness, leading to awkward laughs and horrified gasps in equal measure. Details as excessive blood spurting, gnarling faces, and demonic imagery all contribute to fulfilling the horror quotient.

Despite its gruesome plot, Rabid Grannies does not solely rely on scares. The movie also contains a strong narrative about family politics, greed, and the extent of human selfishness. The director masterfully juxtaposes toned-down scenes with parts that are overblown for effect. We witness relatives showing their true crude colors in the face of imminent death - the veneer of civil society peeling off to reveal primal instincts of survival and self-preservation.

The director, Emmanuel Kervyn, uses a range of cinematic tools to enhance the viewing experience. Dramatic irony, underlying themes, a rich color palette, and foregrounding of key objects are all used to elevate the complexity of the film. An eerie soundtrack punctuates pivotal plot developments.

This film might not be a household name, but it has gained a cult following. Re-released by Troma Entertainment in 1990, the international version of the film furthered its legacy, exposing Rabid Grannies to a wider audience and cementing its iconic status amongst fans of the horror-comedy genre. Rabid Grannies is definitely a film that goes as far as it can to entertain, scare, make you laugh, and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Despite the gory exterior, Rabid Grannies is a film about the worst of human nature exposed in the direst circumstances, wrapped up in a package of riotous humor and grotesque horror, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate the unconventional and macabre side of cinema.