There’s a sweet twist to a good Southern horror film. The monsters seem to be more polite than those Northern creeps. Such is the case of The Beast Within. This film seeps up from the Mississippi mud. The movie wasn’t a major hit back in 1982. But over the years it has grown in the cult section of mom and pop videostores. A lot of people wanted to see the nasty transformation action when the monster arrives. The Beast Within is far from a genteel gesture.
Things start out innocent as a young couple (Bibi Besch and Ronny Cox) get stranded when their car gets stuck in Mississippi mud. They walk to safety only be attacked by some sort of creature. The wife discovers she’s pregnant. But she doesn’t seek an abortion. They raise the child as their own. As a teenager, the son (Paul Clemens) begins to have a mysterious medical issue. The doctors have no real clue. But they are going to try hard to find one. The symptoms seem to come and go. No need to give away too much except that he’s got a major issue that is very Southern. He just might be part cicada.
The Beast Within is rounded out with a great supporting cast including R.G. Armstrong (Major Dundee), L.Q. Jones (The Wild Bunch) and Luke Askew (Easy Rider). The screenplay was written by Tom Holland who’d go on to make Psycho II and Child’s Play. Director Philippe Mora made a name with Mad Dog Morgan starring Dennis Hopper. He’d go on to make a few Howling sequels. The film would be the last soundtrack composed by Luxuria Music legend Les Baxter.
The film remains vibrant after more than 30 years. It really does have a Southern vibe on the screen. There’s more to the excitement than just one great gross out transformation scene. Although such a queasy moment does help it get kids to pass the tape around. The Beast Within will make sure you avoid any muddy situations while traveling in Mississippi.
The video is 2.35:1. The 1080p transfer brings out the sweaty Southern location. The effects look good in 1080p. The audio is DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo. The mix brings out the cricket chirps in the outdoor scenes.
Audio Commentaries have Tom Holland talking about his first major break in cinema. Director Philippe Mora and star Paul Clemens catch up on the lives as well as share tales from the set.
Theatrical Trailer brings up the buggy nature of the plot.
The Beast Within is a charming Southern cult horror flick. The transformation sequence is good and gross.
Scream Factory presents The Beast Within. Directed by: Philippe Mora. Screenplay by: Tom Hollan. Starring: Ronny Cox, Bibi Besch, L.Q. Jones and R.G. Armstrong. Running Time: 98 minutes. Rating: R. Released: December 17, 2013.