Quite a complex horror-drama masquerading as an ugly slasher joint. Some impressive performances from the young actresses (including a nine year old Brooke Shields) who are thrown into a lot of distressing and uncomfortable sequences. The heavy presence of Catholic iconography and rituals adds an extra-textual layer as does the impressive location work; it’s not often you see a horror movie set in Paterson, New Jersey. It also doesn’t succumb to unnecessary, silly comic relief, instead retaining a straight-faced, weighty tone throughout. Pretty rough going at times, but it’s a slasher with something to say.

Watched on 88 Films blu-ray.