I watched this 1972 gem of a movie tonight. I had forgotten about this brilliant psychological thriller until I saw it was on TCM tonight. I immediately turned it on.
The story takes place on a Connecticut farm that actually looks like it is in California but who cares; this film has so much to offer. It is an intriguing and extremely disturbing story of good and evil twins- Niles and Holland Perry - and it is one bone-chilling movie. There is no blood and gore but the images in this film are eerie and scary and downright wicked.
The twins have an unusual relationship with their grandmother who teaches them how to play the "game". In this game, they are taught to have out-of-body experiences and transport themselves where they can "see" and "feel" things that no one else can see or feel. There are quite a few unexplained horrible deaths in this story and we are led to believe that the 'evil' twin, Holland, is causing people to die. Meanwhile, Niles, the 'good' twin is trying to figure it all out. Things get out of hand and the grandmother feels responsible for the twins' behavior.
There are some unexpected twists and turns in this film and the ending is a pure shocker that leaves your blood cold. The acting in this film is outstanding and it is skillfully directed by Robert Mulligan of "To Kill a Mockingbird" fame. The story is based on the book by Tom Tyron, who also happened to write the screenplay. There is a nod to "The Bad Seed"- another terrific evil child story.
This may not be a well-known film in the horror genre but it should be. It is incredibly terrifying. An absolute must-see if you get the chance.
The story takes place on a Connecticut farm that actually looks like it is in California but who cares; this film has so much to offer. It is an intriguing and extremely disturbing story of good and evil twins- Niles and Holland Perry - and it is one bone-chilling movie. There is no blood and gore but the images in this film are eerie and scary and downright wicked.
The twins have an unusual relationship with their grandmother who teaches them how to play the "game". In this game, they are taught to have out-of-body experiences and transport themselves where they can "see" and "feel" things that no one else can see or feel. There are quite a few unexplained horrible deaths in this story and we are led to believe that the 'evil' twin, Holland, is causing people to die. Meanwhile, Niles, the 'good' twin is trying to figure it all out. Things get out of hand and the grandmother feels responsible for the twins' behavior.
There are some unexpected twists and turns in this film and the ending is a pure shocker that leaves your blood cold. The acting in this film is outstanding and it is skillfully directed by Robert Mulligan of "To Kill a Mockingbird" fame. The story is based on the book by Tom Tyron, who also happened to write the screenplay. There is a nod to "The Bad Seed"- another terrific evil child story.
This may not be a well-known film in the horror genre but it should be. It is incredibly terrifying. An absolute must-see if you get the chance.