Rating: **
Alternate Title: They're Coming To Get You!
Review Date: 8/25/24
Director: Sergio Martino
Cast: Edwige Fenech, George Hilton, Ivan Rassimov, Nieves Navarro
(Susan Scott), Marina Malfatti
Jane Harrison (Edwige Fenech) is on the verge of a nervous breakdown and is suffering from the childhood trauma of her mother being murdered. Her suspicious and frequently absent boyfriend, Richard (George Hilton), tries to keep her sedated while her sister, Barbara (Nieves Navarro), insists that she needs psychotherapy. To make things even worse, she's being stalked by a man from her dreams (Ivan Rassimov) and one of her neighbors (Marina Malfatti) convinces her that the occult can solve all of her problems. Unfortunately, her new devil worshipping friends just endanger her life even more.
First and foremost, the film is a star vehicle for Edwige Fenech and she gives a superb performance as a troubled and desperate woman pushed to the edge of madness. Apart from being stunningly beautiful, I'm increasingly impressed by her talent and range. George Hilton has little more than an extended cameo, and his ambiguous nature and frequent absences keep you guessing what he's up to. The lovely Nieves Navarro also has a small, but crucial role, as well as a laughably gratuitous (and appreciated) topless scene.
The cinematography is beautiful and the gloomy London locations are gorgeous. The film was clearly inspired by "Rosemary's Baby" (1968) and the occult plays a large role in the story. The black mass scenes are extremely unsettling and have a nightmarish quality that makes you question Jane's reality. While there's a killer stalking Jane throughout the film, it's not a typical giallo thriller and is more of a straight-up horror movie. Unfortunately, whether intentional or not, the story is confusing and doesn't make a lot of sense. The final denouement comes out of nowhere and raises just as many questions as it answers. The American version was called "They're Coming To Get You!" and cuts out an extended dream sequence towards the end, which adds to the confusion. Regardless of the film's shortcomings, it's a must-see for Edwige Fenech fans.