Ep 4. Jenifer - Dario Argento

In the fourth episode of "Masters of Horror" season 1, titled "Jenifer," Italian horror maestro Dario Argento tells the tale of a police officer who becomes obsessed with a mysterious and deformed woman he rescues.

The story begins with police officer Frank Spivey (played by Steven Weber) rescuing a young woman who has been brutally attacked. The woman, Jenifer (played by Carrie Fleming), is severely disfigured but otherwise appears to be alive and relatively healthy, so Frank takes her to the hospital. However, when he sees the way the hospital staff is treating Jenifer, he can't bring himself to leave her there. Instead, he takes her home with him.

As Frank cares for Jenifer, he slowly becomes more and more enamored with her. Despite her deformities, Jenifer has a raw sensuality that seems to draw Frank in. He begins to neglect his wife and child in favor of spending time with Jenifer. As her true nature is revealed, Frank's obsession with her becomes increasingly dangerous.

As the story progresses, we learn more about Jenifer's past and the horrific circumstances that led to her current state. We also see Frank's own psyche unraveling as he dives deeper into his obsession with Jenifer. The tension between the two characters builds to a terrifying climax, with a final twist that will leave viewers shocked.

Argento's unique visual style is on full display throughout the episode, setting a tone that is at once beautiful and horrific. The dreamlike quality of the cinematography and the haunting score by Claudio Simonetti create an eerie atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge.

The performances by Weber and Fleming are both excellent, with Weber in particular bringing a nuanced and complex portrayal of a man struggling with his own desires and fears. Fleming's physical performance as Jenifer is remarkable, as she manages to convey a range of emotions despite limited facial expressions.

Overall, "Jenifer" is a disturbing and haunting episode that explores themes of desire, obsession, and horror. Argento's masterful direction and the strong performances by the cast make it a standout installment in the series.