The Night Child

The Night Child is an impactful and highly engrossing Italian horror film from the mid-1970s that perfectly embodies the eerie essence and suspenseful elements of the genre. Released in 1975, this tale of supernatural haunting and possession is directed by Massimo Dallamano, a filmmaker well-regarded for his contributions to Italian cinema. With Richard Johnson, Joanna Cassidy and Lila Kedrova in leading roles, the film delivers memorable performances and a story that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The plot of The Night Child veers from typical haunted house stories or purely psychological horror films. It is infused with a distinct psychological perspective that sets it apart, attempting to delve into the depths of human psyche, emotions and the powerful concept of malevolence being carried from one generation to the next. The movie walks a hundred steps in taking cinematic fright and horrors to a new level, blending it with familial drama and powerful performances from the stars.

British actor Richard Johnson, known for his portrayal of horror and thriller characters, is at the helm of the story. Johnson plays Michael Williams, a TV documentary producer and director who is challenged with making a film about demonic imagery in art. In the opening scenes, his wife's tragic death by accidental self-immolation is shown which hints at a past shrouded in mystery and impending horror. As Williams embarks on his journey for the documentary, his personal life gets irreversibly intertwined with his professional pursuits.

Joanna Cassidy, an actress with a knack for delivering intense performances, fills the role of Jill, Michael's new wife and stepmother to his 12-year-old daughter, Emily, portrayed by Nicoletta Elmi. As Michael delves deeper into his work, strange occurrences begin to unfurl, most of which involve Emily. Cassidy's character Jill is the solace and calm within the storm. She tries to bridge the gap between Emily and her father while also dealing with strange happenings.

Lila Kedrova, an Academy award-winning Russian actress, assumes the role of Contessa Cappelli. Kedrova's character sheds vital light on the narrative of the story, assisting the characters and the viewers in unravelling the knots strung together by past actions and generational curses.

The Night Child, originally titled as “Perche?!”, is far more than just scares or gore. Rather, it tells a story shrouded in darkness and engages themes of loss, guilt, identity and past traumas affecting the present. Dallamano's direction aligns the narrative with sharp cinematographic techniques and atmospheric horror that bolsters the narrative without overshadowing it. The cinematography adds an entire layer of suspense and anticipation with its clever choices of lighting, angles and frames.

Eerie and often times unnerving, The Night Child is elevated by its score. Composed by the renowned maestro Stelvio Cipriani, the music of the film is intoxicating, filled with uncanny emotions and intended to may the viewers uncomfortable in their seats. It is reminiscent of the classic elements of horror movie soundtracks, but still uniquely unnerving in its own right.

The juxtaposition of innocent, childlike elements with the horrifying, intense scenes of horror adds another element of interest to the story. It’s this exchange between the calm and the storm that makes The Night Child such an intriguing viewing, a proverbial pendulum swinging between normalcy and the uncanny.

The Night Child is widely regarded as a classic representative of Italian supernatural horror. Its compelling storyline, combined with strong performances and spine-chilling music gives it an undeniable appeal to lovers of the horror genre. For those inclined towards the more psychological components of horror cinema, or those simply interested in the exploration of the supernatural through a deeply personal narrative, this film is bound to leave an irreversible mark.