This eerie zombie classic is one of the most visually striking, atmospheric horror movies I’ve seen. Director Jacques Tourneur approaches the material as though it were a stage play, drawing the viewer’s attention to a variety of distinctive details that add context and texture to the proceedings, and steers the plot, characterization and overall mood into one cohesive whole. The story is fairly simple but that’s part of its charm, because it allows the viewer’s eye to wander across the sets and background activity, all of which are used sparingly to advance the movie’s overall themes. Among many interesting performances, it’s Edith Barrett as Mrs. Rand who walks away with the movie.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
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