PHENOMENA

A terrifying and unstoppable maniac spreads fear and death in a peaceful Swiss college. Jennifer, a young student with psychic abilities who can communicate with insects, uses her extrasensory powers to unmask the true culprit... "Phenomena" is a kind of dark, unhealthy, and visionary fairy tale, with an almost surreal atmosphere, where a very young girl (the brilliant Jennifer Connelly), still pure, innocent, and childlike, embarks on a nightmare journey that leads her to confront all kinds of horrors without ever "tainting" her purity. Some motifs already seen in the previous "Suspiria" reappear: starting with the "school" and "female" setting - part of the film takes place in a girls' boarding school reminiscent of the dance academy in "Suspiria" - the strict teachers/directresses return, once again perceived as a kind of witches, along with the figure of the young and insecure protagonist (Jennifer, just like Susy-Jessica Harper), who faces a horrifying threat all on her own. An exceptional cast featuring the late Donald Pleasence, Daria Nicolodi, and the breakout star Jennifer Connelly, expressive and perfectly suited for her role; also outstanding are the special effects and makeup crafted by specialist Sergio Stivaletti, who begins his collaboration with Dario Argento with this film. Here we have a rather intriguing and engaging plot, halfway between thriller and horror, showcasing violent, terrifying, and unforgettable sequences directed by Italian master Dario Argento... what more could you ask for? Ultimately, one of the best works by the Italian master of horror that is a must-have in the personal collection of every true genre enthusiast. You won't easily forget the sequence where Jennifer approaches a crying child, places her hands on his shoulders, and when he turns around... Not to be missed!