70 From The 70’s Part II: #48

What an absolute treat this little horror movie was. This is just a silly and raunchy horror flick that still works on a different level. The story is a bit campy, but you would simply be amazed how this was pulled off. I have no idea what kind of budget was used for this film, but it looks like they really did all that they could with it, and made it really work. The water film, (underwater and in the surface) filming was definitely one of the more impressive parts of the film, and they clearly took inspiration from ‘Jaws’ (1975) a few years earlier. I genuinely was very surprised how much I loved this film, and with it being a quick 85 minute run time, you can go and enjoy it with ease as well. 

The 1970’s were made up of some of the most classic horror films we know today. ‘The Exorcist’ (1973), ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ (1974), ‘Jaws’ (1975), and ‘The Omen’ (1976). Now these were all bigger movies that still get talked about on a daily basis today, but there were also some great hole in the wall horror flicks from this decade as well. Some of these films include ‘Frogs’ (1972), ‘Rabid’ (1977), ‘Magic’ (1978), and ‘Tourist Trap’ (1979). Sure, these aren’t academy award nominees, but they still provide a fun time at the movies. Low budget horror like this really provides a sense of community with the fans, and just makes for a a wonderful movie going experience.

Now I could very well be over hyping this film, but the way the water shots are done is pretty great. Sure it doesn’t seem that complex, and I can tell a bit of what they are doing is straight from ‘Jaws’ (1975), but for some reason, it all works. There is an atmosphere to the whole film that is slow moving and looming, which makes it all the more creepier. On top of the great shots in the water, all of the long distant shots are even more creepy. We get to see the slow moving antagonists pace their way towards us, the audience, and it gives us all the chills in the world. This movie is filmed very specifically and there is honest intent, even if this is one the cheesier side of horror films. 

The story in this film is not really anything that new. George A. Romero worked hard in the 60’s and 70’s to make some of the most classic zombie movies around. ‘Shock Waves’ (1977) seemingly took those ideas, and turned it into a Nazi fest under the water. I’m not saying this film is better than ‘Night Of The Living Dead’ (1968) or ‘Dawn Of The Dead’ (1978), or even ‘Zombie’ (1979), but it is still a creative and fun story. I love how it finds itself being a simplistic story with a creative style. I guarantee if you are a fan of Zombie movies, you’ll absolutely love this one. 

Peter Cushing helms one of the leads in this film against some pretty unknown actors. His classic style of horror acting combined with the new generation of horror is a fun treat to see. His almost prestigious aura brings a sense of nobility to the entire film, and even when he is at his lowest, it is still a fun ride with him. The other two who help make this cast as fantastic as it is are Brooke Adams, and John Carradine. Both of which bring their own tone. Adams plays a classic style screen Queen from the 1970’s and 1980’s, and she does it perfectly. While Carradine has a bit part as the silly but stern captain of the ship. The cast all works well together in this film, and really help cement this as one of the better hidden gems of the 1970’s.

I absolutely love this picture. I was so impressed how much I enjoyed my entire time with it. For a small budget film, the effort was clearly there. The creativity blooms throughout the entire film with the story and the style of filming. I genuinely was just so amazed by how much I loved this film, and I cannot wait to watch it again. I promise you, if you’re a fan of George A. Romero or Lucio Fulci, then you’ll absolutely adore this film. I cannot recommend this movie enough, and you should see it for yourself to understand.