Twitch of the Death Nerve

Watch Twitch of the Death Nerve

"They came to play, they stayed to die."
  • R
  • 1971
  • 1 hr 24 min
  • 6.5  (12,486)

Twitch of the Death Nerve, also known as A Bay of Blood or Carnage, is a 1971 Italian horror film directed by Mario Bava. Regarded as Bava's masterpiece and a classic in the genre, Twitch of the Death Nerve has influenced countless horror films since its release. The movie opens with the brutal murder of Countess Federica Donati (Isa Miranda), who is strangled by her own husband, Filippo Donati (Giovanni Nuvoletti). Filippo is then killed by an unknown assailant, and the chain of murders begins.

The plot revolves around a contested piece of real estate, a bay that some wish to preserve and others wish to exploit. The characters are a group of greedy and amoral businessmen, a real estate agent, and a series of people who are connected to the Donatis in one way or another.

One of the most striking elements of Twitch of the Death Nerve is the brutality and sadism of the murders. Bava's use of special effects and camera techniques creates a visceral and disturbing atmosphere. The film does not shy away from showing graphic violence, and the murders are all unique in their execution.

The film's characters are well-drawn, if unsympathetic. There is no clear protagonist, and each character is motivated by their own greed or lust for power. Even the supposedly innocent characters have a hidden agenda or a dark past.

As the murders pile up, the tension and paranoia build. Each character becomes a suspect, and the audience is kept guessing as to the identity of the killer. The twists and turns of the plot, coupled with the film's black humor, make for a thrilling and entertaining experience.

The cast is excellent, with standout performances from Claudine Auger as Renata, the manipulative real estate agent, and Luigi Pistilli as Albert, one of the ruthless businessmen. Camille Keaton, best known for her role in I Spit on Your Grave, also appears in a supporting role.

Twitch of the Death Nerve is notable for its influence on the slasher genre. The film's multiple murders and creative methods of killing, as well as its use of POV shots from the killer's perspective, have been imitated by countless horror films since its release.

In addition to its influence on horror cinema, Twitch of the Death Nerve is regarded as a masterpiece of Italian cinema. Bava's use of color and composition is stunning, and the film's score by Stelvio Cipriani is memorable and effective.

Overall, Twitch of the Death Nerve is a must-see for fans of horror cinema and Italian cinema in general. Its graphic violence and unsettling atmosphere may be too much for some viewers, but for those who can stomach it, the film is a thrilling and entertaining ride.

Twitch of the Death Nerve is a 1971 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.

Twitch of the Death Nerve
Description
Where to Watch Twitch of the Death Nerve
Twitch of the Death Nerve is available to watch, stream, download and on demand at The Roku Channel. Some platforms allow you to rent Twitch of the Death Nerve for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1971
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 24 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (12,486)