Watch Vengeance of the Zombies

Vengeance of the Zombies is a 1973 Spanish horror film directed by Leon Klimovsky, and starring the legendary horror star, Paul Naschy. The film tells the story of a couple, two sisters, Ana (Romy) and Elena (Mirta Miller), who travel to the countryside to visit their uncle, Dr. Kargos (Vicente Roca), in his gothic castle after their parents' death.

Once they arrive, they discover that their uncle has been experimenting with black magic, trying to bring his wife back from the dead. However, he has instead raised a horde of flesh-eating zombies from the graves of the nearby cemetery. Dr. Kargos is now under the control of the zombie queen (Rosa Maria Gallardo), and will do anything to keep her alive, even if it means sacrificing his own nieces.

As the sisters discover the horror that their uncle has unleashed upon them, they team-up with their cousin (Oscar Pellicer), who is the only one in the castle who knows the secret of how to control the zombies. Along the way, they are aided by the fearless Inspector Tobermann (Paul Naschy), who investigates the strange occurrences taking place in the castle.

Vengeance of the Zombies is a unique entry in the zombie genre with its supernatural spin, as it introduces the concept of the zombie queen, which is quite different from the traditional zombie mythology. The film combines elements of Gothic horror, supernatural themes, and eroticism, typical of Spanish horror films, creating a perfect mix of horror and fantasy.

The film features the iconic horror star, Paul Naschy, who is best known for his portrayal of the werewolf Waldemar Daninsky, in a supporting role. Though he doesn't have much screen time, he manages to steal the show with his intense and mysterious performance.

The two female leads, Romy and Mirta Miller, are both stunning, and they deliver solid performances, keeping the audience engaged throughout the film. Their characters are well-developed, and they manage to convey a range of emotions that makes them feel more than just simple victims of the undead.

One of the most impressive elements of Vengeance of the Zombies is its visual style. The film is shot in a Gothic style, with the vast majority of scenes taking place in the castle, giving the film a claustrophobic feel. The set design is impressive, with its dark corridors and dimly lit rooms, creating a mysterious and eerie atmosphere. The zombie makeup is also quite impressive for its time, with the undead looking suitably ghastly and terrifying.

The film's score is composed by Carlo Savina, who manages to create a haunting, atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the film's overall aesthetic. In particular, the use of the harpsichord, a staple instrument in Gothic music, helps to create an authentically eerie soundtrack.

In conclusion, Vengeance of the Zombies is a must-watch for fans of horror films looking for something different from the traditional zombie movie. With its Gothic and supernatural themes, it offers a unique spin on the genre that is both atmospheric and thrilling. Expertly directed by Leon Klimovsky and starring the iconic Paul Naschy, this film is a true classic of Spanish horror cinema.

Vengeance of the Zombies is a 1973 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.