Macabre

Watch Macabre

"Prepare yourself for the Shock of a Lifetime! Once she kept a lover on the side. But that's nothing compared to what she's keeping in the freezer."
  • NR
  • 1980
  • 1 hr 30 min
  • 5.8  (3,060)

Macabre is a gruesome horror film released in 1980 directed by Italian director Lamberto Bava. The movie follows the horrific story of Jane Baker (Bernice Stegers), a woman who suffers from a severe mental breakdown after her lover dismembers her son and she accidentally beheads him in a fit of rage. The film is a unique blend of psychological and gory horror that takes place in just over 24 hours.

The movie starts on a dark, rainy night where we are shown a scene of a car crash involving Jane and her lover, Fred. As the scene progresses, it’s revealed that Fred was partially responsible for the death of Jane’s son in a construction accident several years prior. On the way to the hospital, the lovers’ car crashes and Fred dies on impact. However, Jane doesn’t take the news very well, and the shock of the accident triggers a mental breakdown.

With Jane’s state of mind deteriorating rapidly, as the hours tick by, we see her commit a series of bizarre and gruesome acts, including stealing a newborn baby from the hospital where she was taken for her own injuries, carrying the corpse of her dead lover through the city streets and even self-mutilation with a pair of scissors.

At its core, Macabre is a film about a woman’s descent into madness, and the horror that ensues is a direct result of her mental state. Bernice Stegers delivers a bone-chilling performance in the lead role, capturing every emotion and expression with sheer perfection. In some of the more gory scenes, it’s clear that Stegers is practically living the scene, so realistic and disturbing was her portrayal.

The film’s special effects, which were mostly practical, were groundbreaking for the time, and they still hold up even today. The makeup crew that worked on Macabre had the unenviable task of bringing to life the various injuries and mutilations that Jane inflicts on herself, each one serving to heighten the tension and unease felt throughout the film.

One of the standout scenes is when Jane brings food to her son’s grave, only to dig up his remains and decapitate him with a pair of scissors. It’s a hauntingly realistic moment that will leave even the most seasoned horror fans feeling uneasy. Another scene worth mentioning is where Jane dismembers her dead lover's body and attempts to carry it across the city to a hotel room where they had enjoyed some memorable moments.

Throughout Macabre, the director weaves a tight narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, wondering what horrors Jane will commit next. The pacing is deliberately slow-paced, with long drawn-out shots that linger on Jane’s face and expressions that provide plenty of time for the audience to fully appreciate the gravity of her actions.

The movie’s soundtrack, composed by the legendary Goblin, is one of the highlights of the film. The rhythmic, upbeat score serves to heighten the tension, making even the quieter moments feel unnerving. Overall, the music complements the film’s visuals perfectly, creating a truly immersive experience.

Macabre is a film that blurs the lines between psychological horror and slasher films that were popular during the early 80s. While it’s not as graphic as some of the other horror movies from that era, it still manages to pack a punch with its visceral, realistic portrayal of a woman driven to madness after experiencing unimaginable pain.

In conclusion, Macabre is undoubtedly a must-watch for horror movie buffs. It is a well-crafted and frightening portrayal of one woman's breakdown that leaves a lasting impact. Bernice Stegers delivers a performance that is both horrifying and soulful, leaving us with a movie that is as terrifying as it is tragic.

Macabre is a 1980 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.

Macabre
Description
Where to Watch Macabre
Macabre is available to watch free on Pluto TV, Tubi TV and Vudu Free. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Macabre for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1980
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 30 min
  • Language
    Italian
  • IMDB Rating
    5.8  (3,060)