Watch Parasite

Parasite is a science fiction horror film released in 1982, which explores the narrative of a post-apocalyptic future fraught with danger, corruption, and biological mutations. Directed by Charles Band, the movie stars Robert Glaudini in the lead role, alongside a young Demi Moore in her first major film role, complemented by the performances of Luca Bercovici and others.

Set against a dystopian backdrop where society has crumbled, the story unfolds in a United States that has been devastated by economic decline and a consequential widening gap between the wealthy and the poor. Resources are scarce, and the technology that once promised a brighter future has now created a landscape riddled with peril and decay.

The protagonist of the film, Dr. Paul Dean, played by Robert Glaudini, is a scientist grappling with the fallout of his own experiments gone awry. Dr. Dean becomes infected with a parasite, a product of a secret government experiment intended to create a biological weapon that could exert control over the population. The parasite, a grotesque and deadly creation, resides within him, and he is desperate to find a way to remove and destroy it before it consumes him completely or falls into the wrong hands.

The parasite has the ability to infect hosts and exert a terrifying influence over them, making it a formidable force that could spell disastrous consequences for humanity if left unchecked. This leads Dr. Dean on a fraught mission to both rid himself of the parasite and to ensure it doesn’t proliferate.

During his flight from the clutches of the mercenary forces hired by the government and led by a nefarious figure known as the Merchant, Dr. Dean encounters Patricia Welles, portrayed by Demi Moore. Patricia is a tenacious lemon grove owner who becomes an unwitting participant in Dr. Dean's struggle for salvation. Her character embodies the resilience and adaptability necessary to survive in a world where law and order have all but faded away.

Luca Bercovici plays the role of Ricus, a former henchman of the Merchant who has turned against his employer due to his own disillusionment with the regime's cruel intentions. Together with Dr. Dean and Patricia, Ricus forms part of an unlikely group of individuals united against a common enemy.

The film excels in creating an atmosphere of suspense and terror, as it leads the audience through dilapidated cityscapes and desolate territories that mirror the inner turmoil of its characters. The special effects of the time, though not as advanced as in modern cinema, effectively bring the parasitic antagonist to life and provide the creature feature element that was popular in horror during that era.

The narrative delves into themes of bioethics, governmental overreach, and the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation. It portrays a world where the line between human and monster is blurred, and the true nature of humanity is brought into question through the lens of survival and the instinctual will to persevere in the face of extreme adversities.

Parasite is also notable for its social commentary, addressing the disparity of wealth and corporate dominance that mirrors real-world tensions, albeit packaged within a sci-fi horror premise. This theme is reinforced through class-divided interactions and the struggle for power and autonomy that play out as subtext within the script.

The pacing of the movie is consistent with the era's storytelling style, interspersed with moments of action, suspense, and horror that keep the audience engaged. The characters are developed within the constraints of the narrative, offering insight into their motivations and the desperation of their circumstances without excessive exposition.

Being an early '80s production, Parasite is reflective of the trends in low-budget genre filmmaking of its time. It interweaves practical effects and minimalistic set designs to create an effective, albeit at times campy, sense of dread. The film also serves as an early stepping stone for the star-in-the-making Demi Moore, who would, later on, become a prominent figure in Hollywood.

Overall, Parasite presents a unique blend of horror and science fiction that has come to garner a certain cult status over the years. It is a cinematic window into a period of genre filmmaking that relished in taking risks and exploring dark, imaginative themes, and showcases the early careers of its cast, which adds an additional layer of interest for cinephiles and fans of the actors involved.

Parasite is a 1981 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.1.