Watch The Premonition

The Premonition, released in 1975, is a supernatural horror/thriller film directed by Robert Allen Schnitzer. The movie follows the lives of a young mother, Andrea (Sharon Farrell), her daughter, Janie (Danielle Brisebois), and her husband, Sherif (Richard Lynch), who is a convicted murderer. The family's life is turned upside down when Andrea is involved in a car accident that results in her being hospitalized. During her time in the hospital, Andrea experiences a series of strange premonitions which leads her to believe that something bad is going to happen to her daughter.

As Andrea tries to make sense of her visions, a couple, Jude (Edward Michael Bell) and Jude's sister, Sheri (Ellen Barber), enter the picture. They become aware of the situation and seek out to help the family. Jude, a psychic medium, uses his abilities to communicate with the spirit world and uncovers the truth of what will happen to Andrea's daughter. As the story unfolds, we learn that Sheri was a former patient of Sherif's at the mental institution where he worked before he was imprisoned. She had a child by him during their time together and is now seeking to reconnect with the child, who turns out to be Janie.

Schnitzer wrote the screenplay for this movie with Mark Edward Edens, and together they created a slow-burning story that gradually builds up the tension until the climax. The sequence of Andrea's premonitions is done brilliantly and effectively raises the stakes each time, which keeps the audience on edge.

The acting is excellent, with Sharon Farrell's portrayal of Andrea being particularly noteworthy. Farrell delivers a very convincing performance as a young mother trying to make sense of her visions while trying to hold herself together for the sake of her daughter. Jeff Corey, who plays Dr. Jeena in the movie, also delivers a quality performance as a physician who is trying to help Andrea after her car accident.

The cinematography by Victor Milt is artful and enhances the overall cinematic experience. The use of shadow and natural lighting in the movie creates an eerie atmosphere that is essential for a horror movie. The sound design also complements the cinematography well. The sound of footsteps, rustling winds, and other ambient sounds is used effectively to create an unsettling atmosphere.

One of the key aspects of the movie is the theme of fate and destiny. Andrea's premonitions suggest that what will happen to Janie is set in stone and that nothing can be done to change it. The film also suggests that the only hope for the characters is to have faith in each other and to believe in the psychic abilities of Jude.

The Premonition has its flaws, which are typical of many low-budget horror movies of the 1970s. The special effects are not always convincing, and some of the dialogue can be cheesy. Additionally, some scenes can be a bit confusing, and the plot lacks a clear direction at times.

However, the film remains a classic of 1970s horror cinema due to its strong performances, unique story, and careful pacing. It is an excellent representation of the era and serves as both an enjoyable watch and an interesting time capsule of a particular period in horror movie history.

In conclusion, if you are a fan of 1970s horror cinema, then The Premonition is a must-see. It is a unique and compelling thriller that will keep you on edge. The combination of excellent acting, beautiful cinematography, and a well-crafted story makes it a film that should not be missed.

The Premonition is a 1976 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.