Watch Beast In The Cellar
- R
- 1970
- 1 hr 26 min
-
4.9 (1,062)
Beast In The Cellar is a British horror film from 1971 directed by James Kelley. The movie stars Beryl Reid, Flora Robson, and John Hamill in the lead roles. It tells the story of two elderly sisters, Ellen and Alice, who live together in a large house in a secluded village in Britain during World War II. The sisters live a quiet life and are both members of the Women's Volunteer Service, which helps the war effort.
The film opens with a series of mysterious attacks on young women in the village. The victims are left with bite marks on their necks, leading many to believe that a wild animal may be responsible. However, the sisters seem to know more than they're letting on. They are both hiding a dark secret in their cellar, which they are determined to protect at all costs.
The tension between the two sisters grows as the attacks continue, and the local authorities become more involved in the investigation. Ellen, the elder of the two, is fiercely protective of her younger sister Alice, who is mentally unstable and prone to erratic behavior. Although the two women are close, they have a complicated relationship that is further complicated by the arrival of a young soldier named Charlie.
Charlie is on leave from the front and is stationed in the village. He is smitten with Alice and is soon drawn into the mysterious events surrounding the village. As Charlie attempts to unravel the truth behind the attacks, he finds himself in danger and must rely on his wits to survive.
One of the most striking aspects of Beast In The Cellar is the performance of Beryl Reid as Ellen. Her portrayal of the protective and secretive sister is both nuanced and frightening. Reid manages to convey a sense of menace that is palpable throughout the film, creating a character that is both sympathetic and terrifying.
Flora Robson, who plays Alice, gives an equally impressive performance. Her portrayal of the fragile and vulnerable sister is heart-wrenching and adds depth to the film. John Hamill rounds out the cast as Charlie, the young soldier caught up in the middle of the sisters' secrets. Although his role is relatively small, Hamill is a strong presence on screen and manages to hold his own against the two veteran actresses.
The film's setting is another standout feature. The village is portrayed as bleak and isolated, with the war adding an additional layer of tension to the proceedings. The sense of danger is heightened by the fact that the attacks are happening in such a seemingly safe and familiar setting.
Despite its modest budget and low-key production values, Beast In The Cellar is a well-crafted and effective horror film. The tension builds gradually throughout the film, with the final act delivering a satisfying conclusion to the story. The film's ending is particularly memorable, with a twist that is both surprising and satisfying.
Overall, Beast In The Cellar is a must-see for horror fans interested in classic British horror films from the 1970s. The film's performances, setting, and gripping storyline all work together to create an eerie and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Beast In The Cellar is a 1970 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.