Watch Squirm

Squirm is a 1976 horror movie directed by Jeff Lieberman and starring Don Scardino, Patricia Pearcy, and R.A. Dow. The movie is set in a small town in Georgia, which is hit by a massive storm that causes power lines to fall and damages the underground electricity cables. The storm also causes a peculiar phenomenon that drives worms to the surface, turning them into carnivorous monsters that threaten the locals' lives.

The story of Squirm is set in the fictional town of Fly Creek, which has a population of only 200. The town is isolated from the outside world, and the only way to reach it is through a small bridge crossing a river. The town is inhabited by a group of eccentric characters, including a crazy old man who keeps dozens of chickens inside his house, a young couple struggling to make ends meet, and a mayor who is more interested in his fishing gear than the needs of his people.

The movie begins with the arrival of Mick (Don Scardino), a young man who comes to Fly Creek to visit his girlfriend, Geri (Patricia Pearcy). Geri works at the local grocery store managed by her mother, Naomi (Jean Sullivan). Mick's arrival coincides with the storm, and both the power and the phone lines are down. The couple decides to spend the night at Geri's house, but they soon realize that something strange is happening in the town.

The worms that live in the local soil have been electrified by the fallen power lines and have become carnivorous monsters. They invade houses, attack people, and cause chaos and destruction. The locals are puzzled and frightened by this sudden threat, and some blame it on the new electrical company that recently bought the town's electricity infrastructures.

Mick and Geri team up to investigate the phenomenon and find a way to stop the worms. Their journey leads them deep into the woods, where they encounter Roger (R.A. Dow), a strange hermit who lives in a cabin surrounded by thousands of worms. Roger claims to have a connection with the worms and pleads with Mick and Geri to leave the town before it's too late.

Squirm is a classic example of 1970s horror movies, with its low-budget effects, cheesy dialogues, and over-the-top acting. However, the movie has a certain charm that makes it entertaining and enjoyable. The movie's main strength is its setting, which creates a sense of isolation and claustrophobia that adds to the tension and suspense. The southern atmosphere of the town is also a refreshing change from the usual urban settings of horror movies.

The movie's creatures, the killer worms, are both ridiculous and terrifying at the same time. The film uses a combination of real worms, puppets, and special effects to create the illusion of the worms' movements and attacks. The worms' wriggling and squirming in every frame create an uncomfortable sensation that is hard to forget.

The performances in Squirm are a mixed bag. Don Scardino is a charismatic leading man who carries the movie's humor and action scenes. Patricia Pearcy is a competent actress who adds charm and likability to her character. However, some of the supporting actors are forgettable and even annoying, particularly the local mayor and his fishing buddy.

The movie's director, Jeff Lieberman, creates a tense and eerie atmosphere with the help of a moody and unsettling soundtrack. The use of close-ups and slow-motion shots enhances the worms' horror and creates a sense of dread and unease. The movie's climactic scene is a thrilling and suspenseful chase that ends with a satisfying conclusion.

In conclusion, Squirm is a fun and entertaining horror movie that delivers on its promise of killer worms. While it may not be a masterpiece of the genre, it's a movie that deserves to be seen and appreciated for its quirky charm and southern gothic atmosphere.

Squirm is a 1976 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.