Society (1989)
Directed by Brian Yuzna
Put this in the “What the fuck did I just watch” category. I’ve heard people mention this a few times, saw it pop up on tubi, and then Joe Bob covered it so I checked that out on Shudder. I’m not quite sure what I watched and how I feel about it.
Society is about a teenager that discovers his family is part of some weird orgy cult for super rich people. Yeah it is as weird as it sounds. The movie is a little slow and clunky at first, but the last half hour is a great big heap of what the fuck. Bill played by Billy Warlock is the main character is trying to expose the rich for being perverted and incestuous weirdos, and of course no one believes him. The story isn’t amazing, it is somewhat new but has the cliché moments that many movies have.
The acting isn’t anything phenomenal. Hell, Billy Warlock got famous from being in Baywatch which was known for master thespians…ACTIIIIING!!! Ok obscure SNL references aside, this movie is at least watchable with its somewhat lame acting. You can tell that everyone gives it their all, even if their all isn’t a lot. Really where this movie shines is in the special effects by Screaming Mad George. The orgy scene in particular is gruesome and disgusting. You basically look at lubed up piles of flesh everywhere, it is rather gross at times. The scenes with someone reaching up a guy’s butt and out of his mouth is hilariously gross. I laughed my ass off and said “What the fuck” a few times. There is a fair share of good looking girls, and guys for that matter to keep people watching. The camera work is decent, not great but far from bad. Really this movie is all about the effects, that’s what I came for honestly and I wasn’t disappointed in that area.
Society did not do all that well in the US, but it flourished in Europe. It has been considered ahead of its time by many horror fans and critics. I’m still not sure how I feel about it, it is a batshit crazy movie with gross effects and an odd story. It definitely stands out from the pack, I’ll give it that. I don’t know how many times I’ll watch this, it might be a one time watch. With all that being said I don’t think it is a bad movie, just bizarre and a hard watch at times due to the craziness and slow pace of the story. I give Society a C+.
