I remember first reading about Society (1989) in a list of the worst sex scenes in an Empire magazine, and has grown in notoriety to the point of a satirical horror cult classic. Directed by Brian Yunza, the producer of Re-Animator who used the success of that film to broker a two picture deal where the sequel to Re-Animator would be the second one. Billy Warlock, who I knew as an original cast member of Baywatch, and feels like a perfect 1980s hunk lead – he plays a high school jock from a wealthy family who is troubled by nightmares and strange visions. That and his snooty parents always seem cold to him, and when he accidentally sees his sister in the shower, he witnesses strange body contortions. Warlock is perfect in a way as he is always confused and tense; everyone either wants to fight or fuck him. All of this is building up to the climax, kind of like the orgy in Eyes Wide Shut, and there is enough skullduggery and shenanigans to keep it interesting, with the mounting conspiracy and eventual revelation of what’s going on with this secret… society. The last thirty minutes are a sweaty, red-lit showcase for the old-school special effects by Screaming Mad George, which really goes for it in terms of body horror; though in comparison to someone like David Cronenberg, there’s a clear sense of twisted humour in the visual gags, which helps deflate the revolting nature of the climactic “shunting”. Definitely not for all tastes, but its an entertaining and wild movie, a blunt, gross, and wacky depiction of the American upper class and how they… behave. Available to stream on Amazon Prime and Tubi. Recommended.
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