Squirm

Squirm, a unique mixture of the horror and nature-run-amok subgenres, was released in 1976. Directed and written by Jeff Lieberman, the movie features noteworthy performances from Don Scardino, Patricia Pearcy, and R.A. Dow. Set against the backdrop of a quaint and serene small town in Georgia, the narrative cleverly taps into the audiences' innate fear of creepy crawlies. It starts as a quirky southern tale and gradually dissects the stormy relationship between humans and nature with well-crafted suspense elements.

The story sets off when an impressive electrical storm hits the quiet town, which results in widespread horror as thousands of worms are brought to the surface under the influence of thousands of volts of electricity. Gradually these common earthworms become bloodthirsty predators. All this follows an eerie power outage, which establishes an atmosphere of impending doom upon the town.

Don Scardino plays the role of Mick, one of the leading characters, who is a dedicated lover from the city. He embarks on a journey to this isolated-town to meet his girlfriend Geri Sanders, played by Patricia Pearcy. This love story is intertwined perfectly with gripping horror, enticing viewers with the blend of romantic and nightmarish overtones.

As the narrative unfolds, horrifying events begin to affect the town and its unsuspecting inhabitants. Suddenly, the worms, usually harmless creatures, turn into malevolent beings with newly-developed predatory instincts. With mystery shrouding their origins and their nocturnal tendencies, they represent deep-seated terror that gives the movie its intriguing premise.

The role of Roger Grimes, enacted by R.A. Dow, is another crucial character to the storyline. His character is intriguing due to his secret connection to the ominous occurrences and adds another layer of mystery to the film. The dynamic between the characters is well-written, providing enough depth to keep the viewer invested.

It is commendable how Squirm maintains an even tempo, oscillating between a brooding Southern Gothic drama and an edge-of-your-seat horror film. Subtle humor intricately sprinkled here and there offers a refreshing take on the traditional horror narrative, making it a stand-out during the 70s period.

The cinematography vividly captures the perchance serene southern town besieged by the relentless nocturnal assault of the slimy invaders. Capturing the essence of 1970's era horror, scenes are often awash with saturated colors and bathed in shadow to create an appropriately moody atmosphere. Vet cinematographer Joseph Mangine has done a commendable job, pairing well with the director to bring chilling visuals to the screen.

Also, Rick Baker's early special effects are something to look for, as the renowned artist who later won Oscars for his work contributed to the movie's creepiness with his realistic worm creations. The effects are particularly disturbing during the frenzied attack sequences.

Squirm also features an evocative score composed by Robert Prince. It beautifully complements the tension-building sequences, enhancing the disturbing presence of the worms. The low droning sounds and eerie musical cues intensify the fear factor, thereby amplifying suspense and dread.

However, this movie is not for the squeamish, as it has numerous gruesome scenes that can make even the strongest stomachs squirm. While it may seem dated by today's standards, its vintage charm, innovative premise, solid performances, and proficient special effects make Squirm worth viewing.

Through Squirm, Jeff Lieberman effectively questions mankind's existence, shaking up the perceived hierarchy in the animal kingdom. This layer of existential dread combined with the visceral horror of worm attacks sets the movie apart from the rest of its contemporaries.

In its essence, Squirm is an unforgettable entry in the 1970s horror cinema, blending an unusual premise with effective pacing, character development, and well-orchestrated suspense sequences that hold up impressively well even today. Whether you're a fan of classic horror films or someone seeking a unique movie-watching experience, Squirm stands as a testament to the innovativeness and charm of the bygone era of the horror genre.