Castle Freak (1995) - Blu-ray Assessment

      Castle Freak, 1995.

      Directed by Stuart Gordon.

      Featuring Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, Jonathan Fuller, Jessica Dollarhide, Elisabeth Kaza, and Carolyn Purdy-Gordon.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A distressed family inherits an ancient castle along with everything within it, which includes something living in the basement.

      Stuart Gordon’s 1995 film Castle Freak often takes a backseat in discussions about the late director, typically overshadowed by titles like Re-Animator, From Beyond, and even Dagon. This is unfortunate, as Castle Freak is arguably superior to at least one of those films and may be the closest adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's works among Gordon’s efforts, despite the loose connections to the original material, similar to his other adaptations.

      Regular collaborators Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton portray John and Susan Reilly, a married couple who inherit an old Italian castle (owned by Full Moon Pictures president Charles Band) from a distant relative of John’s and visit it with their daughter Rebecca (Jessica Dollarhide). Their marriage is fragile as John, a recovering alcoholic, had previously caused a car accident while drunk that left Rebecca blind and resulted in the death of their younger son, J.J. The couple's strained relationship forces them to stay together in the castle while it is being sold.

      However, the family faces another shock when the previous occupant’s mutant son, confined to the basement, escapes and kills a sex worker whom John picked up after being spurned by his wife once again. After being blamed for the murder, John must prove his innocence and safeguard his family from the creature in the basement before he loses everything.

      Initially released when this horror genre was somewhat out of fashion, Castle Freak feels quite old-fashioned, incorporating elements of Hammer horror's gothic style and Italian gore, reminiscent of Lucio Fulci’s films. It's also a more subdued experience compared to Re-Animator or From Beyond, lacking their over-the-top, quasi-comedic makeup effects and Brian Yuzna’s production style. However, its drier tone aligns it more closely with Lovecraft’s original work, creating a genuinely unsettling atmosphere alongside some effective gore.

      Combs and Crampton display the comfort of actors who have collaborated several times, and the film features some grainy visuals and occasional pops, contributing a grindhouse aesthetic that enhances the authentic gothic atmosphere. That said, it is more restrained than Stuart Gordon’s earlier films and may not be as suitable for repeated viewings in quick succession, unlike those which are infinitely rewatchable.

      This edition of Castle Freak includes archive extras from past releases, featuring interviews with Stuart Gordon, Barbara Crampton, and Jeffrey Combs, along with a Full Moon Features Videozone featurette. Additionally, it includes new interviews with Barbara Crampton, composer Richard Band, and filmmaker Chris Alexander, which are worthwhile for dedicated fans or Full Moon enthusiasts.

      While Castle Freak may not rank with Stuart Gordon’s masterpieces, it still provides plenty for a traditional horror film from a skilled creative team, placing it among the director's second-tier offerings.

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

      Chris Ward