Cast
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Catriona MacColl
as Liza Merril
David Warbeck
as John McCabe
Cinzia Monreale
as Emily
Antoine Saint-John
as Schweick
Veronica Lazăr
as Martha
Larry Ray
as Larry
Al Cliver
as Dr. Harris
Michele Mirabella
as Martin Avery
Giampaolo Saccarola
as Arthur
Maria Pia Marsala
as Jill
Laura De Marchi
as Mary-Ann
Calogero Azzaretto
as Zombie at Hospital (uncredited)
Ottaviano Dell'Acqua
as Zombie at Hospital (uncredited)
Roberto Dell'Acqua
as Glass-Smashing Zombie (uncredited)
Lucio Fulci
as Town Clerk (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Lucio Fulci
Producer
- Fabrizio De Angelis
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Beyond presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by blending supernatural elements with realistic human reactions.
Director Lucio Fulci brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1981, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Beyond took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 108 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 76 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1981, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Beyond shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Oh My Zombie!, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Beyond subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Haunted and Zombie explore similar territory, The Beyond stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 22, 1981
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Budget: $400,000
- Revenue: $123,843
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