The Sorcerers

Watch The Sorcerers

"Boris Karloff He Turns Them On…He Turns Them Off…to live…love…die or KILL!"
  • NR
  • 1967
  • 1 hr 22 min
  • 6.2  (2,291)

The Sorcerers, a 1967 British science fiction-horror film, tells the story of an elderly couple that manages to develop a device capable of controlling people's minds. The couple, Mr. and Mrs. Monserrat, live in a small antique shop in London and are played by legendary actor Boris Karloff and veteran actress Catherine Lacey, respectively. They keep their invention hidden from the world, but how long can they keep their control over the bizarre and unforeseeable events that follow?

The Monserrats' invention - a headset that allows them to hypnotize and control others - catches the attention of a young hipster named Mike Roscoe (played by Ian Ogilvy) who they lure into their scheme. Roscoe, who enjoys the euphoric "trips" he experiences as he submits to the Monserrats' hypnotic influence, eagerly obliges.

Soon, Roscoe becomes an unwitting pawn in their twisted game and is sent out to commit outrageous and violent acts. The Monserrats bask in the thrill of controlling him, but as their experiment grows more and more dangerous, they develop different ideas about where the experiment should head. Mr. Monserrat is thrilled and wants to take advantage of their newfound power further, while his wife becomes increasingly concerned.

As their experiment unravels, the Monserrats' relationship starts to collapse under the weight of the terrible deeds they have committed. The Sorcerers tells a haunting story of power, control, and the consequences of playing with human minds and emotions.

Although made in the late 60s, the themes and ideas of The Sorcerers still resonate with audiences today. The film uses its sparse, eerie style to provide an intimate, suspenseful tale of madness and horror. Boris Karloff's portrayal of the twisted Monserrat is venomous, sinister, and captivating. The audience is left to watch as the aged couple plays with their victims like puppets in gruesome, perverse ways.

Director and screenwriter Michael Reeves' cinematic vision is what sets this film apart from standard horror fare. Reeves' avant-garde sensibilities are evident throughout the film, as he creates an off-kilter, unsettling atmosphere by mixing haunting visuals with jarring sound design. The film's use of color and lighting is particularly excellent, with vibrant and surreal elements intermingled with darker moments, making for an unease that keeps growing throughout the runtime.

Mike Roscoe (Ian Ogilvy) balances the Monserrats’ twisted penchant for mind-control manipulation until it all becomes too much for him to bear. Ogilvy effectively conveys the desperation and confusion of a man who has lost control of his body and mind. The scenes where Roscoe struggles to take agency and break free from the influence of the headset are particularly harrowing.

Elizabeth Ercy as Mrs. Monserrat is equally noteworthy, portraying the guilt and confusion of an old woman who is forced to face the consequences of her and her husband's actions. Ercy's subtle expressions and minimalist acting style play an essential role in the film's ability to create real suspense and dread.

While the film may not be for everyone and may not have been as well-received during its initial release, The Sorcerers remains a must-watch for anyone who enjoys cerebral, introspective horror that also plays with genre-crossing. With excellent performances across the board and a tautly written screenplay that keeps the audience guessing until the very end, The Sorcerers will leave an impact long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, The Sorcerers is a taut, effective thriller that will stick with audiences far beyond the end credits. Karloff's acting, as well as the stunning artistic direction and creative soundscapes, come together to create a suspenseful viewing experience that is both dark and thought-provoking. Fans of classic horror and mind-bending thrillers, in particular, won't want to miss The Sorcerers.

The Sorcerers is a 1967 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.

The Sorcerers
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Where to Watch The Sorcerers
The Sorcerers is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent The Sorcerers for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1967
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 22 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.2  (2,291)