Watch horror Movies for free with Amazon Prime

Phantasm

1979
8
Director: 
Don Coscarelli

SYNOPSIS: 

The story follows Mike, a young orphan who begins to suspect something strange is going on at the local mortuary after the mysterious death of his older brother. Behind the eerie disappearances of corpses stands the Tall Man—an enigmatic undertaker with terrifying powers, aided by deadly flying spheres and hooded dwarf-like creatures.

REVIEW: 

The Immortal Nightmare of the Tall Man

A forgotten classic? Only by those who haven’t seen it.
Phantasm is one of those films that carved its place in the hearts of horror fans with a unique blend of dream logic, nightmare fuel, and surrealism. Directed by Don Coscarelli at only 23 years old, the film has become a true cult classic, spawning four sequels and introducing one of horror’s most haunting villains: the Tall Man.

Atmosphere of a nightmare
Phantasm is not a straightforward film. It doesn’t aim for perfect narrative logic, and that’s exactly where its strength lies. It’s a filmed nightmare, where reality twists and the viewer is constantly forced to question what’s real. Coscarelli’s direction is visually striking, especially considering the low budget, and the dreamlike nighttime cinematography heightens the unsettling tone.

The Tall Man: a true icon
Played by Angus Scrimm, the Tall Man is one of the most original and chilling villains of 1970s horror. His mere presence, deep gravelly voice, and the iconic, drawn-out “Boooy!” make him a terrifying figure that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Music and symbolism
The soundtrack, composed by Coscarelli and Fred Myrow, is another major asset: simple, hypnotic, almost ritualistic. Themes of grief, trauma, and the boundary between life and death are explored with a poetic edge, while still maintaining an eerie tension throughout.

Conclusion
Phantasm is a visionary, flawed, but bold piece of horror cinema. It goes beyond standard monster fare, offering a journey into the unknown, teetering between reality and the afterlife. If you enjoy horror that dares to be different, that leaves you with questions instead of answers, this one is essential viewing.

A must-watch for fans of psychological, cult, and atmospheric horror.

Post by Miluna V on 15/06/2025 - 15:21
Tags: 
nightmare classic old cult Most real Iconic monster horror fans Mysterious

SIMILAR MOVIES REVIEWS

When Evil Lurks When Evil Lurks

2023

"When Evil Lurks" is an overwhelming and relentless work that bravely steps away from the subgenre's clichés. Director Demián Rugna plunges us into a ruthless and visceral rural nightmare, establishing from the very first minutes that the rules are different here: there are no exorcist priests, no comforting prayers, and no easy way out. There is only a primal Evil, contagious like a virus and incomprehensible, spreading illogically and mercilessly. What makes the film exceptional is its brutality and honesty in depicting horror. Rugna does not shy away from extreme splatter scenes and the most gruesome body horror, utilizing... Read More

In the mouth of madness In the mouth of madness

1994

In the Mouth of Madness by John Carpenter is one of the most refined and disturbing examples of metaphysical horror ever made. The film turns madness, literature, and reality into a maze with no escape, where fear arises not only from what happens, but from the terrifying doubt that it might all be real. Sam Neill delivers one of his most intense and unsettling performances, perfectly portraying the rational investigator gradually consumed by the nightmare. Carpenter’s direction is minimal yet powerful, crafting an atmosphere of constant paranoia and disorientation, supported by a dark, hypnotic score. Every shot is designed to... Read More

Eraserhead Eraserhead

1977

Eraserhead is not a film; it is a sensory experience and a cathartic journey into the depths of the subconscious. The debut feature by the visionary genius David Lynch, this 1977 film, shot in a magnificent, grainy, high-contrast black and white, redefined the coordinates of art cinema and the cult movie. It is a raw and hypnotic immersion into the most hidden phobias related to fatherhood, domestic life, and the fear of contamination. The true protagonist is not so much the linear plot, but the anguishing and oppressive atmosphere that Lynch masterfully creates. The setting in a desolate industrial city is the external reflection... Read More

Weapons Weapons

2025

A Choral Horror Masterpiece: Zach Cregger’s Audacious Vision. With Weapons, writer-director Zach Cregger (acclaimed for Barbarian) confirms his status as one of the most important horror auteurs of our time. This film isn't just a genre exercise; it’s a choral, disturbing, and visionary work that digs into the open wounds of contemporary society, transforming a mystery into a true liturgy of terror. The movie opens with a chilling premise: the simultaneous and inexplicable disappearance of seventeen children from a single classroom. From there, Cregger orchestrates a masterful narrative that branches out and develops through... Read More

Dracula Dracula

2025

Luc Besson’s Dracula is an ambitious and visually stunning reinterpretation of Bram Stoker’s immortal classic. The film brings the timeless gothic tale into a modern cinematic vision without losing the essence of its haunting atmosphere. From the very first frame, the movie captivates with its dark elegance, refined cinematography, and breathtaking production design. The story follows the mysterious Count Dracula, who emerges from the shadows of his ancient castle to pursue love, immortality, and revenge. Jonathan Harker, Mina, and Van Helsing are reimagined with intensity and depth, each character enriched by nuanced... Read More

Paura - fear

2012

Paura is one of those horror films that manages to crawl under your skin and stay there long after the screen goes dark. It is not just a movie—it is an oppressive experience, carefully designed to suffocate the audience with dread. The film’s pacing is deliberate, forcing the viewer to sit in moments of silence, to absorb the creeping atmosphere, and to anticipate the violence that inevitably follows. Its direction is sharp and merciless, never shying away from brutality but always keeping the suspense at the center. Every frame is filled with unease, whether it is a slow shot of an empty corridor, a close-up of terrified eyes, or... Read More

OTHER MOVIES REVIEWS

The Black Phone

2021

The Black Phone, directed by Scott Derrickson and based on the short story by Joe Hill, is a film that transcends the simple horror formula to offer a tense, psychologically engaging, and surprisingly emotional experience. It is a triumph of atmosphere and performances that makes it one of the most successful titles in the genre recently. The film's strength lies in its ability to mix a disturbing kidnapping thriller with wisely measured supernatural elements. The setting, placed in the 1970s, is vivid and gritty, contributing to a palpable sense of isolation and fear in... Read More

They Live

1988

They Live by John Carpenter is not just a science fiction film; it is a fierce and still relevant gut punch against rampant consumerism and media manipulation. Carpenter, with his mastery of genre blending, gives us a film that, despite being from 1988, resonates with a disarming power even today. The film's strength lies in its brilliant simplicity: an unemployed worker, John Nada (played with rugged charisma by wrestler Roddy Piper), discovers a pair of special sunglasses that reveal the hidden reality. The world, seen through those lenses, turns into an unsettling black... Read More

Vicious

2025

Vicious is a psychological horror that relies on emotional tension and the fear of the unknown. As a woman, I found it particularly compelling how the film explores vulnerability within the home—supposedly the safest place we know. The protagonist embodies the growing terror of someone trapped not only inside her house but inside her own emotional weaknesses. The film builds an unsettling atmosphere from the very beginning, balancing heavy silence with bursts of panic. Some narrative choices feel deliberately slow, creating tension that can sometimes be frustrating, yet... Read More

When Evil Lurks

When Evil Lurks

2023

"When Evil Lurks" is an overwhelming and relentless work that bravely steps away from the subgenre's clichés. Director Demián Rugna plunges us into a ruthless and visceral rural nightmare, establishing from the very first minutes that the rules are different here: there are no exorcist priests, no comforting prayers, and no easy way out. There is only a primal Evil, contagious like a virus and incomprehensible, spreading illogically and mercilessly. What makes the film exceptional is its brutality and honesty in depicting horror. Rugna does not shy away from extreme... Read More

An American Werewolf in London

1981

"An American Werewolf in London" is far more than a simple horror film: it is a cinematic gem that skillfully blends the rawest terror with unexpected and brilliant black humour, creating a unique and unparalleled experience that has stood the test of time beautifully. John Landis, at the peak of his career, directs a work that perfectly balances the horror of the werewolf myth with a disarming and ironic sense of everyday life. The absolute greatest strength of the film lies in the practical special effects and makeup by Rick Baker, who won the first ever Oscar for Best... Read More