Turn-of-the-century, Dr. Paul Eswai is summoned to a small Carpathian town to aid in investigating a rash of mysterious murders. The town is convinced that a supernatural force is in play, creating a sense of fear and paranoia that pulsates through all who live there. Joining forces with Inspector Kruger and Monica Schuftan, Dr. Paul Eswai sets out to discover the true culprit of these mysterious deaths, unwilling to even consider the idea of these murders being the culprit of a supernatural force. Playing with the science vs. supernatural tropes, Mario Bava's Kill Baby Kill transcends the mysterious murder narrative, offering a much more complex and interesting metaphysical complication that revolves around the town witch and Baroness Graps, whose own deceased daughter may be responsible for the ghostly murders. The story may be a little convoluted for its own good, but these complexities keep the film more mysterious and interesting than simply relying on the typical "scientific-based man has to come to terms with something supernatural' narrative yarn. Mario Bava's Kill, Baby..Kill! is a masterclass in effectively constructing a horror film through atmosphere, being a film that inspired a host of films that followed it, ranging from contemporary ghosts stories to murderous child tales. Pulsating with atmosphere, Kill, Baby..Kill! features an unrelenting sense of unease and tension, with Bava using a kaleidoscope of colors and well-designed camera movements to create an ominous atmosphere that evokes a sense of uncertainty and voyeurism - the idea that some supernatural force is watching these characters. I've always loved how observant Bava's direction is in space, routinely having his camera move throughout the the environment, detailing this harsh reality his characters find themselves in. Wildly regarded as one of Mario Bava's best, Kill Baby Kill is a highly enjoyable, intoxicating decent into horror, that is a constant reminder of the importance of atmosphere over on-screen violence.
1 Comment
Kevin Collins
3/20/2015 11:09:52 am
Nice review. However, I'm reluctant to embrace most giallo. I'm okay watching plot-driven films, character-driven films, and even illogical surreal or experimental films that aim only to convey theme or inspire emotion, but giallo films seem to fall in another camp entirely. I'm generalizing, but they seem to champion spectacle over substance in such a care-free way as to leave them feeling incomprehensible. I'm usually left feeling unsatisfied. That being said, I've only seem about 4 or 5 giallos in my lifetime so these are the ravings of a relatively ignorant man. I've gotta admit that the stills you've posted look really enticing. Maybe I'll check it out.
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June 2023
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