The Demoniacs
A 1974 French rape-revenge horror film directed by Jean Rollin.
The Demoniacs is the English title for the 1974 French rape and revenge supernatural horror film Les démoniaques, written and directed by Jean Rollin. The film follows a band of shipwreckers who assault two young women, who later make a pact with a demon to gain supernatural powers and seek vengeance.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Jean Rollin
- Starring
- Joëlle Coeur / Lieva Lone / Patricia Hermenier / John Rico / Willy Braque
- Music
- Pierre Raph
- Editing
- Michel Patient
- Distributor
- Général Films · Les Films A.B.C. · Nordia Films
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
- Country
- France / Belgium
- Language
- French
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film's plot centers on a gang of shipwreckers led by the Captain, who cause a ship to crash and ransack its contents. They brutally rape and beat two young women survivors, arousing the Captain's lover, Tina. The Captain later experiences visions of the women's dead bodies, and a clairvoyant tavern landlady, Louise, suspects his guilt, sparking a bar fight. The community fears nearby haunted ruins where a demon has been imprisoned for a century.
Reader's Guide
The Demoniacs is a notable entry in Jean Rollin's filmography, blending supernatural horror with rape and revenge themes. The film's narrative involves the two women making a pact with a demon, becoming 'demoniacs' with telekinetic powers, but ultimately sacrificing their revenge to save a clown and an Exorcist. The film ends tragically, with the women drowning after being tied to a burnt ship. The film has seen multiple home media releases, including DVD and Blu-ray editions in various regions, with special sets containing different cuts. Its legacy lies in its cult status among horror fans and its representation of 1970s French exploitation cinema.
Did You Know?
- The film is also known as Curse of the Living Dead.
- The cast includes Joëlle Coeur as Tina and John Rico as Le Capitaine.
- The film was released on Blu-ray in the US on 29 May 2012 by Redemption.
- A special three-disc set was made available in Europe on 30 August 2005.
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