Watch The Brotherhood of Satan
- PG
- 1971
- 1 hr 32 min
-
5.5 (1,979)
The Brotherhood of Satan is a 1971 horror movie directed by Bernard McEveety and starring Strother Martin, L.Q. Jones, and Charles Bateman. The film tells the story of a small town in California that becomes the target of a group of Satan-worshipping cultists. The movie begins with Ben (Charles Bateman) and Nicky (Geri Reischl), a young couple driving through the desert when they stumble across a car accident. The only survivor of the crash is a little girl named Karen (Gretchen Corbett), and her family is nowhere to be found. Ben and Nicky take Karen to a nearby small town to report the accident, but no one seems to take her seriously.
As more accidents and disappearances start happening in the town, Ben and Nicky come to realize that the residents of the town, including the mayor (Strother Martin) and the sheriff (L.Q. Jones), are all part of a cult that worships Satan. The cult aims to sacrifice Karen, who is revealed to be the daughter of Satan, to gain everlasting life and other supernatural powers. Ben and Nicky must race against time to save Karen and stop the cult before it's too late.
The Brotherhood of Satan showcases some of the best elements of 70s horror movies with themes of satanism, cults, and occultism. The film is well-paced with an eerie atmosphere that builds tension throughout. The use of practical special effects and makeup also adds to the overall creepy tone of the movie.
Strother Martin and L.Q. Jones deliver standout performances as the leaders of the satanic cult, bringing a sense of menace and sinister believability to their roles. Charles Bateman as Ben and Geri Reischl as Nicky provide the necessary earnestness and relatability to their characters, making them sympathetic heroes that the audience can root for.
What sets The Brotherhood of Satan apart from other horror movies of its time is its effective use of suspenseful storytelling. The film doesn't rely solely on cheap scares or gore but instead draws the viewer in with a sense of paranoia and dread. The cult's influence on the townspeople slowly builds throughout the movie, creating an ever-present threat that Ben and Nicky must face.
The film's climax is a classic example of 70s horror, with the heroes facing off against an overwhelming force of cultists in a desperate attempt to save Karen. The scene is both grueling and satisfying to watch, with the expectation of an inevitable failure adding to the tension.
Overall, The Brotherhood of Satan is a must-watch for horror fans who love 70s cult classics. The film brings a unique spin to the horror genre with its focus on cults and satanism, making it stand out among other horror movies of the era. Its strong performances, effective storytelling, and chilling atmosphere make The Brotherhood of Satan one of the best horror movies of the 70s.
The Brotherhood of Satan is a 1971 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.