They Came from Within Movie Review

What do you get when you cross an aphrodisiac with a venereal disease? Well, if you are director David Cronenberg, you get this nasty little parasitic organism, capable of turning the its host human into a raging sex fiend, and then making an exit that would make an Alien chest-burster proud. Cronenberg's first nearly mainstream film is set in the sterile, clinical setting of the Starliner high-rise, the perfect contrast to the symbolic spread of the “venereal disease,” in this case implanted by a messed-up parasite-research doctor in place of supposed transplant organs. Look for ‘60s horror queen Barbara Steele in the famous bathtub “entry” scene. Similar in attitude to many zombie films, you can either find meaning in the loads of symbolism, or just sit back and enjoy the shocking, gory, sleazy ride. AKA: Shivers; The Parasite Murders.

1975 (R) 87m/C CA Paul Hampton, Joe Silver, Lynn Lowry, Barbara Steele; D: David Cronenberg; W: David Cronenberg. VHS, Beta LIV, VES