The Stuff (1985) - 4K Ultra HD Evaluation

      The Stuff, 1985.

      Written and Directed by Larry Cohen.

      Featuring Michael Moriarty, Andrea Marcovicci, Garrett Morris, Paul Sorvino, and Scott Bloom.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A delicious and enigmatic goo that seeps from the earth is promoted as the latest dessert craze, but this tasty treat leads to more than just dental issues when zombie-like consumers, who are desperate to consume more of this peculiar substance, start spreading across the world.

      The Stuff is one of those iconic horror films from the 1980s that has garnered a notable reputation. Larry Cohen’s delightfully absurd creation from 1985 melds body horror, sci-fi paranoia, and sharp satire into one gooey package. Arrow Video has now treated this cult classic to a 4K restoration, and witnessing its vivid colors and sticky effects so well-preserved only increases the enjoyment. Despite its rough edges and unapologetically campy vibe, The Stuff manages to feel oddly ahead of its time in its commentary on consumer culture.

      The plot is as crazy as they come. In a snow-covered part of America, two workers find a white, bubbling substance oozing from the ground. Naturally, they do what any rational person wouldn’t do: they taste it. Fast forward, and this mysterious goo has been marketed as “The Stuff,” packaged like ice cream and sold to an unsuspecting public with the slogan “Enough is never enough.” A nationwide sensation takes off, with Americans eagerly buying it in supermarkets and in flashy TV commercials. However, there’s a catch – those who indulge in The Stuff soon become hollowed out, transforming their bodies into mere vessels for the sentient snack. It’s a mix of The Blob and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, with a healthy dose of satirical edge.

      Michael Moriarty plays “Mo” Rutherford, a laid-back former FBI agent hired by competing dessert companies to uncover the truth behind The Stuff. Moriarty exudes dry charm and witty asides, delivering deadpan lines that expertly oscillate between sharp and delightfully absurd. Throughout his journey, he teams up with ad executive Nicole (Andrea Marcovicci), a boy named Jason (Scott Bloom), and the humorously named Chocolate Chip Charlie (Garrett Morris), a cookie mogul turned martial arts enthusiast. Together, they aim to halt the spread of The Stuff before it wholly consumes America.

      Watching it now, the satire holds up. Cohen's disdain for corporate greed and mindless consumption is laid on thick, yet it’s so knowingly absurd that it’s hard not to smile. The comparisons with processed food trends, Big Tobacco, and excessive marketing feel even more relevant in an era saturated with sugar-filled energy drinks and “mystery meat” burgers. The parody commercials for The Stuff are among the film’s funniest moments, perfectly capturing the glossy ‘80s advertising culture while revealing something malevolent underneath.

      Arrow’s 4K restoration revitalizes all the lo-fi charm. The practical effects, which range from brilliant to downright shoddy, are clearer than ever. Miniatures, matte paintings, and hilariously shaky blue-screen scenes shine in all their glory. The goo itself, reportedly made of melted plastic and yogurt, sparkles like a frightful creation from a child's imagination. Arrow also includes a wealth of extras, such as an intriguing 52-minute documentary where Cohen discusses how the idea came to him (in the shower, of course) and how his satire conflicted with studio expectations.

      Other enjoyable extras feature new commentary by writers and critics David Flint and Adrian Smith, a reversible sleeve with stunning new artwork by Chris Barnes, and an illustrated collector’s booklet with essays about the film by Joel Harley and a new piece by Daniel Burnett.

      Viewing the film, it’s evident that Cohen’s pacing is inconsistent and the shifts in tone—from horror to slapstick to sci-fi intrigue—can be jarring. However, these elements contribute to the film’s unique charm. The Stuff was never designed to be sleek. It’s chaotic, scrappy, and delightfully bizarre, the type of B-movie that humorously critiques itself while still offering insightful commentary on the world.

      This Arrow release makes a compelling argument for revisiting Cohen’s sticky satire. It may not be flawless, but like the irresistible dessert it critiques, you will certainly want to sample it again.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Tom Atkinson – Follow me on Instagram