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The above is the oft-repeated line heard by Billy (Billy Warlock) throughout this film. As the son of a wealthy family in Beverly Hills, there are expectations for him as he's ready to graduate high school and join, umm, society. But Billy feels like something is not right with his family and society itself which sends him in a weird spiral as he tries to find out what's going on.
Society was the debut film from Brian Yuzna. Already known for his work as a writer and producer for films like Re-Animator and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, he wanted to make a film that leaned into body horror and gore; something that Society fits to a tee. His inspiration for one of the most climatic scenes on the film comes from a painting by Salvador Dalí called "The Great Masturbator".
The film's main themes are paranoia and mistrust, as Billy knows someone is out to get him. He is joined by Clarissa (Devin DeVasquez), a mysterious student he had a crush on at school. What he doesn't know is if Clarissa is also in on things, or if she's there to help him. That is paired with a general mistrust on the elite and the "high society" to give an ever-present of dread through all the film.
This film was brought up on the podcast by a couple of guest friends. Curiously enough, I don't think I had heard of it before, but they spoke highly of it so I was looking forward to finally checking it out. Granted, the film is not without its flaws, primarily some spotty performances and weak dialogue. But for the most part, Society is an effective body horror film with a good dose of humor.
The film does feel like it spins it wheels a bit as it builds up to that inevitable climax, so some of the detours it takes to get there feel, well, like detours. But the payoff is more than worth it. Yuzna went on to direct a bunch of direct-to-video and "cheap" looking horror films. I don't think I've seen any of those, but I get the impression that this freaky film might be his best contribution to society.
Grade:
SOCIETY
(1989, Yuzna)
(1989, Yuzna)
"You're going to make a wonderful contribution to society."
The above is the oft-repeated line heard by Billy (Billy Warlock) throughout this film. As the son of a wealthy family in Beverly Hills, there are expectations for him as he's ready to graduate high school and join, umm, society. But Billy feels like something is not right with his family and society itself which sends him in a weird spiral as he tries to find out what's going on.
Society was the debut film from Brian Yuzna. Already known for his work as a writer and producer for films like Re-Animator and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, he wanted to make a film that leaned into body horror and gore; something that Society fits to a tee. His inspiration for one of the most climatic scenes on the film comes from a painting by Salvador Dalí called "The Great Masturbator".
The film's main themes are paranoia and mistrust, as Billy knows someone is out to get him. He is joined by Clarissa (Devin DeVasquez), a mysterious student he had a crush on at school. What he doesn't know is if Clarissa is also in on things, or if she's there to help him. That is paired with a general mistrust on the elite and the "high society" to give an ever-present of dread through all the film.
This film was brought up on the podcast by a couple of guest friends. Curiously enough, I don't think I had heard of it before, but they spoke highly of it so I was looking forward to finally checking it out. Granted, the film is not without its flaws, primarily some spotty performances and weak dialogue. But for the most part, Society is an effective body horror film with a good dose of humor.
The film does feel like it spins it wheels a bit as it builds up to that inevitable climax, so some of the detours it takes to get there feel, well, like detours. But the payoff is more than worth it. Yuzna went on to direct a bunch of direct-to-video and "cheap" looking horror films. I don't think I've seen any of those, but I get the impression that this freaky film might be his best contribution to society.
Grade: