Watch Messiah of Evil

Messiah of Evil is a strange and eerie horror film from 1973 that has gained a cult following over the years. Directed by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz, the film stars Michael Greer, Marianna Hill, and Joy Bang in leading roles. It is a surreal and atmospheric piece of cinema that defies easy categorization. The film tells the story of Arletty (Marianna Hill), a young woman who travels to a small coastal town in search of her father. Her father, a famous painter, has sent her a strange letter that hints at his descent into madness. When Arletty arrives in the town, she finds that something is very wrong. The townspeople are behaving strangely, as if they are under the influence of some powerful force. Arletty meets a man named Thom (Michael Greer), a writer who is also investigating the strange happenings in the town. Together, Arletty and Thom try to uncover the truth about what is happening and why the townspeople seem so afraid.

As they investigate, Arletty and Thom uncover a disturbing cult that worships a mysterious figure known only as "The Stranger." The cult has taken over the town and is spreading their influence to other areas. As the pair delve deeper into the conspiracy, they find that the cult's power is stronger than they ever imagined. They are forced to fight for their lives against the cult's twisted minions and uncover the truth about The Stranger before it's too late.

The film is a masterclass in atmosphere and tension. The small town setting is hauntingly beautiful, with wide shots of the beach and lonely streets. The music, by Phillan Bishop, sets an eerie tone that invokes a sense of unease and dread. The use of color is also noteworthy, with scenes bathed in red and blue light that heighten the surreal atmosphere.

The performances are all excellent, with Marianna Hill and Michael Greer delivering nuanced and compelling portrayals of Arletty and Thom, respectively. Joy Bang also stands out as a young hippie who gets roped into the cult's schemes. The rest of the cast is made up of character actors who bring a sense of authenticity to the strange world of the film.

One of the most striking aspects of Messiah of Evil is its unconventional narrative structure. The film is told in a nonlinear fashion, with scenes jumping back and forth in time. This can make the film difficult to follow at times, but it also adds to the dreamlike quality of the story. The film is full of surreal imagery and moments of pure horror that are difficult to forget.

All in all, Messiah of Evil is a unique and captivating horror film that deserves to be seen by fans of the genre. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate unusual, atmospheric movies will find much to admire here. It is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and a reminder that sometimes the most memorable films are the ones that defy easy explanation.

Messiah of Evil is a 1973 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.