The Prowler

The Prowler is a suspense-filled, heart-pounding horror and mystery movie directed by Joseph Zito in 1981. Presented under the genre of slasher cinema, the film potently and effectively ups the ante on suspense, horror, and the fear factor. It masterfully juxtaposes violence, dread, and mystery with a unique blend of creative storytelling, gripping plot structure, and exceptional acting.

At the center of this film are Vicky Dawson, Christopher Goutman, and Lawrence Tierney, who deliver magnificent performances. Each actor effortlessly embodies their character, and together they guide the audience through the chilling tale of The Prowler. Vicky Dawson foots the role of Shelley, showcasing a remarkable degree of depth, strength, and vulnerability that adds an extra layer to the movie's narrative fabric. Christopher Goutman fittingly plays one of the main protagonists, Deputy Mark London, while Lawrence Tierney brilliantly plays the role of Major Chatham.

The setting of the film places us back in 1945, Avery, California, where the Saturday June 28 edition of 'The Avery Bugle' presents the story of Rosemary, a woman who breaks up with her boyfriend while he is serving during World War II. The movie then jumps to 1980, where the citizens of Avery are preparing to hold their first graduation dance in 35 years after the last one resulted in a horrifying double murder.

The narrative unfolds as the town is plagued by a prowler in combat gear who is seemingly not averse to the use of a pitchfork as his weapon of choice. The town's local Deputy, Mark, is on break from college and set to protect the town. He is stationed, for the most part, at the graduation dance where tensions are high due to the terrible events that took place three and half decades ago.

The narrative quickly ensnares the viewers into the heart of Avery as the terror begins to build slowly. The film does incredibly well in establishing an eerie atmosphere—one where danger lurks around every corner, and no one knows who the next victim is or where the Prowler will strike next. The film successfully escalates the tension by incorporating elements of isolation and paranoia that compile into a constant ambience of dread.

The Prowler is not just a slasher movie with run-of-the-mill elements; instead, it features some of the era's most innovative and memorable scenes of suspense and horror. What sets this film apart from others in its genre is its creative approach to horror visuals. The director, Joseph Zito, showcases the gruesome aftermath following the Prowler's encounters with his victims, leveraging shadows and lighting to perfectly capture the visceral fear and uncertainty that overcome the town.

Furthermore, Tom Savini, who is known as one of the pioneering special effects makeup artists in the film industry, significantly boosts the film's aesthetic appeal. Savini's talents elevate the gruesome horror scenes, making them much more realistic and raw. This emphatic focus on graphic, authentic gore effects heightens the horror of the movie, contributing to the extreme fear elicited by The Prowler.

The Prowler combines dynamic directing, superb acting, and ingenious make-up art and effects to yield a film which stands tall among the immense roster of 80s slasher films. It is a classic movie in its genre, which keeps the audience riveted, on the edge of their seats right from the first scene. Whether you are a fan of classic horror, slasher movies or psychological thrillers, The Prowler has something to offer for everyone.

The Prowler has maintained a cult following owing to its smart storytelling, captivating performances, and horrifying visuals. So, if you are looking for a mystery, intrigue, suspense, and bone-chilling horror movie from the Golden Age of 80s slasher films, The Prowler certainly deserves a view.