Suspiria (1977)

Suspiria (1977) is a hallucinatory supernatural horror about a young American ballerina, Suzy Bannion, who arrives at a prestigious dance academy in Germany and soon discovers that the school is a façade for something far darker. As grisly murders and inexplicable phenomena multiply — students falling ill, infestations, strange noises and sudden acts of violence — Suzy slowly uncovers rumors that the institute is tied to a witches’ coven. Watching Suspiria is an intense sensory experience: director Dario Argento’s expressionistic visuals bathe every scene in lurid color and stark composition, practical special effects and sudden bursts of violence create startling shocks, and Goblin’s pounding, otherworldly score turns dread into a physical presence. The film trades on mood and atmosphere more than straightforward explanation, delivering a dreamlike, often nightmarish progression that builds unease until it becomes almost suffocating. Expect a deliberately paced, highly stylized horror film that emphasizes visual and aural impact over conventional plotting. Viewers should be prepared for graphic scenes and disturbing imagery, but also for one of the most influential, viscerally beautiful examples of 1970s Italian horror.

Actors: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci

Director: Dario Argento

Runtime: 99 min

Genre: Horror

6.6 /10 79 /100 7.3 /10 7.3 /10