By DR. BENNY GRAVES
Starring Tomas Arana, Feodor Chaliapin and Asia Argento
Written by Dario Argento, Franco Ferrini and Michele Soavi
Directed by Michele Soavi
Ah, an ancient cathedral! Gothic and imposing architecture, a hushed atmosphere and often, a complex history. (Some are more horrifying than others… I’m lookin’ at you Catholicism!) In general, a church is where believers go to escape the world of blasphemy. In Michele Soavi’s THE CHURCH, a place of spiritual solace is the epicenter of sin, and we the viewers reap the benefits. Now, Soavi’s film was originally intended as a Demons sequel, and a completely different tale from the original concept for Demons 3, which involved a demonic outbreak on a plane. Yes, there are other Demons sequels, but as with my review of The Black Cat, you’re going into Pepe-Silvia-yarn-board territory if you try to parse release chronology and all the aliases of these other films. However, Soavi’s film is a different beast entirely, introducing new, complex lore and changing the pace from the brutal simplicity of the first two films (Think Venom’s “Welcome To Hell”) to something more complex yet equally diabolical (Think Mercyful Fate).
Things are in motion at the church. On the surface, there is the bustle of daily life: a construction crew restoring detailed frescoes, a school field trip, a photography crew trailing newlyweds and tourists milling about in awe of the architecture. All around are images of a benevolent Christ. Yet, below in the damp catacombs, there are dark forces in motion, things that serve a fallen angel.
Once upon a time, Teutonic Knights slaughtered a group of supposed devil worshippers. In an attempt to lock the evil away forever, their mass grave became the foundation of the church. These measures are undone when curiosity gets the better of the new librarian (Thomas Arana). Demonic power is unleashed, and ancient mechanisms seal the church, leaving those inside trapped and at the mercy of ancient horrors… (See what I mean by Mercyful Fate?!?)
There is so much happening in THE CHURCH, and I love every dense and heretical layer of this devil’s food cake. (I’m here all night, folks! Remember to tip your waitstaff!) First, Michele Soavi’s film is a deeply Satanic movie – a departure from the more Evil Dead-esque mechanics of Demons and Demons 2. The introduction with the not-exactly-noble Teutonic Knights’ brutality against the supposed cultists is beautifully shot and extremely graphic, a visual feast that feels like the intro track of a heavy metal concept album. Once unleashed, the evil force possesses people but also warps reality, causing those in the church to experience visions.
While those possessed get to do neat stuff like ring the bells with a severed head, there’s also some incredible imagery, including winged-Baphomet sex. I mean, do I need another selling point? Do yourself a favor and pick up the Blu-ray/4K release by Severin. Also, please do not sleep on Soavi’s now appropriately revered Cemetery Man (or Dellmorte Dellamore if you’re nasty). Then don your robes, light your black candles and prepare to grin ear to ear. Something wicked is coming your way…
Death to false horror,
Dr. Benny Graves