Strange Behavior

Strange Behavior, also known as Dead Kids in some territories, is a cult classic from 1981 that melds elements of horror, science fiction, and teen slasher genres into a unique cinematic concoction. The film, which was helmed by director Michael Laughlin and co-written with Bill Condon, presents an intriguing narrative laden with atmospheric suspense and a touch of the offbeat sensibility that characterizes many cult films from the era.

Set in the tranquil town of Galesburg, the story unfolds amidst an environment that seems the epitome of Americana. However, beneath this veneer of quiet suburban life lurk secrets that hint at something far more sinister. The movie stars Michael Murphy as John Brady, a widowed police sheriff and single father grappling with the mysterious death of his wife while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy for his teenage son, Pete, portrayed by Dan Shor.

Louise Fletcher delivers an impressive performance as Barbara Moorehead, a research scientist who bears a clinical demeanor that masks her enigmatic intentions. Fletcher, with her predilection for portraying nuanced characters, lends a formidable presence to the film, infusing her character with both intellect and an underlying sense of ambiguity.

The plot of Strange Behavior centers around a series of bizarre incidents that are slowly gripping the community. Pete, influenced partly by teenage rebellion and partly by the allure of easy money, decides to participate in a series of paid psychological experiments conducted at the local college. The experiments are part of a study ostensibly aiming to understand behavior, but there's an eerily unconventional edge to the methods employed.

As Pete delves into the experiment's peculiar activities, overseen by college officials who seem to possess motives beyond the academic demands of their research, the town is hit by a spate of gruesome murders that shock its residents to the core. The victims, all teenagers, seem to have no apparent connection at first, leading to a pervasive sense of confusion and fear among the town's youth and their parents alike.

Sheriff Brady, disturbed by the violent streak disrupting his community, starts an investigation that gradually reveals a connection between the murders and the psychological experiments at the college. His inquiry becomes personal when it becomes apparent that his family may be entangled in this web of strange events.

The film cleverly uses the trope of scientific experimentation gone awry, tapping into the collective unease with the advancing scientific exploration of the time and its potential to distort the fundamentals of human behavior. It does this while paying homage to the low-budget horror flicks of the 1950s, embracing their mood and stylistic elements without losing its contemporary 80s edge.

Strange Behavior's narrative unfolds through a combination of small-town detective work, teen drama, and body horror elements. The tension rises as Sheriff Brady pieces together the fragmented clues amid mounting casualties, each one heightening the urgency to solve the mystery enveloping Galesburg.

Dan Shor's portrayal of Pete Brady is a highlight, capturing the complex blend of youthful curiosity, innocence, and the instinctual drive for independence typical of teenagers on the cusp of adulthood. His character's journey serves as the emotional grounding for the film, providing a relatable perspective through the bizarre twists and turns.

The film also stands out for its technical aspects, with cinematography that leverages shadows and light to build an atmosphere that's equal parts idyllic and menacing. The score further enhances the suspense, featuring compositions that oscillate between synth-driven melodies indicative of the decade and more traditional orchestral horror cues.

Although Strange Behavior does not shy away from the visceral shocks that are a staple of the slasher genre, it also indulges in periods of calm introspection, allowing the characters' depth to emerge and the socio-psychological themes to resonate with the audience. It prompts viewers to contemplate the nature of control, the ethics of scientific endeavor, and the frailty of the human psyche.

Strange Behavior is a film that defies easy categorization, standing as much as a psychological thriller as it is a horror movie. It invites viewers into a world where nothing is as it seems, and the charming simplicity of small-town life is but a cover for experiments that touch upon the very essence of human nature. Its cult status is well earned, with a mix of kitsch, terror, and philosophical introspection that remains captivating to audiences who appreciate the offbeat gems of horror cinema. With a combination of engrossing performances, a compelling narrative, and an evocative aesthetic, Strange Behavior endures as an intriguing piece of early 80s genre filmmaking.