The Outing

The Outing, a gem from the year 1987, is a captivating mix of horror elements adjoining preternatural enchantments, under the direction of Tom Daley. The cast features Deborah Winters, James Huston, and Andra St. Ivanyi.

In the heat of Houston, The Outing takes its audience on an eerie journey, being one of those iconic 80s horror films that offers its viewers an intriguing balance of thrill, chills, and jittery moments. Audiences of the time, and even today's viewers who love delving into the retro horror genre, will likely find elements of this film that have them gripping their seats a little tighter than usual.

Deborah Winters takes on the role of Dr. Wallace, a hardworking curator of a local museum, who is dedicated to her work. She is a woman of intellect and diligence who navigates the world of ancient artifacts and their mystical histories.

James Huston, a noted actor of his time, puts forth an exceptional performance as Dr. Wallace’s colleague, a dedicated expert also associated with the museum. Rounding out the group of main characters is the budding student, played by Andra St Ivanyi. Ivanyi's character provides a narrative arc that young audiences of the time would have related to, infusing the movie’s horror themes with elements of coming-of-age angst and curiosity to form a narrative rich in both suspense and relatability.

The plot unfolds in a compelling fashion. The theft of an antique lamp and three murders start the chain of events. The stolen lamp finds its way to the city museum. An innocent wish made by a museum worker unknowingly opens a doorway to an ancient demonic entity. The lamp contains a genie endowed with immense power and malevolent intentions. As events spiral out of control and mysterious occurrences begin to plague the museum, the demon of the lamp begins to sow chaos and fear among those who come in contact with it.

Another notable element of the movie is its creative blending of cultural and mythological narratives. The genie, a mystical character rooted in Arabic mythology, is detangled from its moral confines, lending to an exhilarating storyline. This catapults the storyline away from being merely a teen horror film and spirals it towards an engaging blend of cultural narratives and supernatural elements. From the perspective of a thriller, The Outing offers more than mere jumpscares; it delves into an exploration of ancient mythology and the conflicts between good and evil, pitting human will and desire against insurmountable, otherworldly forces.

The film also offers its viewers a tour of Houston's museum culture, creating a notable sense of place that becomes inextricably linked to the film's tension and mystery. Equally effective is the film's use of lighting and music. The direction manages to offer a compelling trip through dark corridors and exhibition halls with an ominous yet enchanting score that lends sizeable help to the eerie atmosphere.

As the characters struggle to find a way to recapture the genie and end the horrifying ordeal, the movie takes twists and turns that are sure to keep viewers guessing - right up until its very end. The Outing perfectly captures the aesthetic and spirit of 1980s horror films, combining it with a plot that is both imaginative and steeped in cultural lore to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.