Phenomena (1985)

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Release Date: Jan 25, 1985
Rated: R | Runtime: 116 Mins | Language: English
Director:
Stars:

Summary

A young girl, with an amazing ability to communicate with insects, is transferred to an exclusive Swiss boarding school, where her unusual capability might help solve a string of murders.

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Phenomena - 1985 - Trailer in HD
Phenomena Soundtrack (Theme Song)

What to Expect

Phenomena is a lot like Suspiria, Argento's big hit from 8 years prior. It has the same exact premise of a young American girl traveling to Europe to attend an exclusive girls school, only to find herself mixed up with a murder on the very first night while a super intense score by Goblin creates ridiculous tension. Phenomena, however, isn't about witches. It's a murder mystery filled with bizarre details and sickening gore (think beheadings and maggot baths). Phenomena is an Argento classic that holds up surprisingly well over time. The bizarre details and familiar scenarios grab your attention from the start and Argento's ability to really pull you into a story keeps it through to the end.

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Critic Reviews:

If there’s no logical connection between the film’s killings and Jennifer’s relationship to the world, Phenomena is still uniquely and fabulously scatterbrained.

– Slant

Phenomena is not Mr. Argento’s best. IMHO, Deep Red holds that title. It is, however, a terrifically entertaining murder mystery with some great set pieces and a driving score by some members of Goblin among others.

– HNN

Phenomena is absolutely insane. Dario Argento, the writer and director, is clearly insane. It’s not like he directed a movie someone else wrote, and it doesn’t make sense. No, this is all him. This is his vision. This is him…and he’s crazy.

– Morbidly Beautiful