Last week’s Bloody Streaming Roulette was a smashing success. Fear, Inc (2016) had all the right ingredients for a good horror flick. It was intelligent, funny, gory and had a wild ending. I was truly impressed by this little-known film and I think all you little boils and ghouls should check it out on Hulu anyway you can. Which now brings us to this week’s newest chapter in horror movie gambling. Having written this segment for almost a year, I’ve learned not to get my hopes up or be surprised by anything. Yet, I was proven wrong again. Where will the bloody roulette wheel land this week? Let’s find out!
SPIN THAT SHIT!
Shivers (1975)
Set in a lush high-rise apartment building. An oasis of sorts, where all the amenities you could ask for are available, you wouldn’t need to leave the building if you didn’t have to. Where a doctor is treating a series of patients that are all exhibiting the same symptoms. A series of tender bumps around the abdominal region. We later find out, these bumps are caused by a bizarre parasite wreaking havoc throughout the building. Equal parts aphrodisiac and venereal disease, this parasite is creating sexual deviants that will stop at nothing to get what they want. Which is to have ultimate pleasure and pass it on the next unwitting victim. Can these creatures be stopped?
As I mentioned earlier, I try not to be surprised by anything. But when I landed on Shivers (currently streaming on Hulu), I was taken aback. I immediately became excited as I had heard of this film, knew it was directed by David Cronenberg, but never had the chance or the pleasure of viewing. Intentional pun inserted, be sure to tip your waitresses folks, as I am here all night. But, another reason I was surprised boils and ghouls, was because all my excitement came crashing down pretty quickly.
Shivers was the first horror film of many more to follow directed by Cronenberg and you can tell. The film felt very rushed and only exploited the plotline with scenes of sexual violence. It is a rough, choppy film and you can immediately tell Cronenberg had yet to perfect his directing approach. I am not saying this is a bad film by any means, it is just not a great film either. The idea was solid, mindless sex-crazed people trying to pass on this deadly parasite to anyone it can. I just feel the execution fell short. The acting was mediocre at best, with Lynn Lowry (The Crazies) shining the brightest. The special effects though for the parasites were quite excellent. Watching this I couldn’t help but wonder if James Gunn was inspired by Shivers when he made Slither (2006). Even with a twistedly bleak ending, I feel I need to view Shivers again. Maybe a second viewing will change my initial impression.
Then again, maybe not.
I finally lost again. I knew it would happen eventually. Shivers while not a terrible film, just wasn’t a winner for me.
IMDb: 6.6/10
ZombiSurvivor: 5.8/10
STAY SCARED!
-ZS
