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Billy Warlock, Devin DeVasquez, Evan Richards, Ben Meyerson, Connie Danese ... see more see more... , Charles Lucia , Patrice Jennings , Ben Slack , David Wiley , Seely Abraham , Robin Agee , Chris Anne , Lisa Bal , Tim Bartell , Blanche Bimstein , Brian Bremer , Maria Claire , Chris Claridge , Mike Colletta , Raffaella Commitante , Mike Diamant , Tom Druzay , Nicolle Durant , Allen Eisenhart , Daniel Heren , Cristen Kauffman , Heidi Kozak , Rohni Lee , Caroline Lomas , Pamela Matheson , Michael Tony Merten , Steven Morgan , Amy Obrand , Tom Rainone , Chanel Ryan , Michael Schipper , Don Storey , Donamari Tia , Laura Tulaska , David Wells , Rick Widman , Robb Willoughby , Conan Yuzna , Jason Williams , Tommy Lewis , Mark David

The directorial debut of horror producer Brian Yuzna, this low-budget shocker was an overseas success but sat on the shelf for three years before gaining a U.S. release. Billy Warlock stars as Bill Wh... read more read more...itney, the troubled scion of a wealthy Beverly Hills family. Feeling like an outcast his entire life, Bill begins seeing Dr. Cleveland (Ben Slack), a therapist who's trying to help him reconcile his conflicted feelings about his parents, who seem to lavish more attention on his sister Jenny (Patrice Jennings). Bill then discovers that his doubts have more of a foundation in reality than simple teen angst. After he receives a copy of an audio tape of horrific sounds at Jenny's coming out party, Bill becomes convinced of the existence of a secret "society" of wealthy people preying on outsiders, and that his family is involved. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Flixster Users

53% liked it

3,611 ratings

Critics

43% liked it

7 critics

R, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Bryan Yuzna, Brian Yuzna

Release Date: January 1, 1989

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DVD Release Date: September 10, 2002

Stats: 265 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (265)

  • WrenchLT
    December 15, 2011
    WrenchLT
    A weird but enjoyable tale that pokes fun at the inner circles of the rich elite of the Beverly Hills community. The less you know about this one the better but it's a film that's worth a watch at least once. Special mention also to make-up effects artist Screaming Mad George for... read more his creative and grotesque work. Make sure you finish what you're eating well before the end!
  • Beefy
    September 26, 2009
    Beefy
    Obvious plotting... obvious plotting... obvious plotting... well BOY HOWDY look at that.
  • matertenebraum
    September 23, 2009
    matertenebraum
    Billy Whitney is a troubled kid who's seeing a shrink because of his fear of loved ones and those that are close, which he has a hard time fitting in with his wealthy family as he feels he doesn't belong with them. He's also a student at Beverly Hills Academy who's running for pr... read moreesident and is dating the head cheerleader, so things aren't all bad. Although things suddenly change for the worse when Billy's Sister's ex-boyfriend convinces him there's something strange about his family. Now Billy gets pulled into a very frightening world that's filled with surreal images and where the paranoia is finally tearing him apart. But what's to come for Billy will be more shocking than what he can comprehend.

    After watching a horror-mystery the day before I decided to put my teeth into another, Yuzna's 'Society'. You'll think that Society comes across as usual pure 80's trash in the very cheesy kind. And it does look like that and actually descends into that pattern. But firstly the way it started off you might think otherwise, as it does open proceedings rather eerily with an tight prologue and then a haunting tune through the opening credits, but soon it takes a real sharp turn from its beginning and heads into familiar 80's horror territory, with the usual corny dialogue, gratuitous nudity, camp performances and over-the-top humour. Although when it comes to the final 20 minutes or so, you totally are blown off your feet and possibly are in a state of bemusement. During this stage it turns disturbing and rather disgusting, while there's classical music streaming along. I know that I was left with a bewildered impression on my face and I would be surprised if you don't get the same feeling too. Meaning it's a good idea to make sure your not eating when coming up towards the film's perverted climax.

    The odd but fun story does play out like a teen flick with nice amount of mystery and yep I say it, satire. This story has more to it and that shows in the hidden agendas and subtle dialog that all seems to come together perfectly. On a second viewing you would easily pick up on these hints within the script. You got your sick in-jokes, lame pun and plain wicked tone. Back onto the satire now, which this story is an allegory on the rich looking down on the less privilege and finally screwing over the poor. These amusing pot-attacks are scattered across the story, while also worked into the mystery side of the story with Billy trying to figure what's going on and what's this 'society' is. Some moments you see have you contemplating if what he sees is a figment of his imagination. The reason why you question this is because his seeing a shrink so is it just in his head or is this nightmare for real. This is presented in a very good manner and that's because of the man behind the camera.

    Brian Yuzna who produced the great 'Re-animator (1985)' makes his directorial debut here and does an extraordinary job. No real atmosphere is generated, but he paces it with such elasticity that there's no labouring about and he ups the suspense with assured handling and control. The humour and horror balance is a bit uneven, at times it felt oddly out of place, but it doesn't destroy the fun mood. Camera placement is rather sharp and well executed, with a nice eye for shots and moods. Going with it all is a likable heroine played by Billy Warlock from 'Bay watch' fame. While, the rest of the acting is nothing out of the norm for a film like this. Everyone was effective in their parts and contributed to the enjoyment that followed. The production is incredibly slick and that's evident by the locations and Screaming Mad George's mind-blowing special effects. Those messed up effects that come out of the blue are what makes this film memorable in its inevitable outcome!

    There's nothing really creepy about this real jokey 80's horror flick, but when it gets to the ending credits you'll be left with one real lasting impression? I assure you!
  • SirPant
    September 9, 2009
    SirPant
    Society is Brian Yuzna's most underrated film. It has the perfect balance of horror, suspense, humour and gore. It's also quite intelligent for what it is and has the most bizarre special effects ever! Bizarre special effects are goood! :o)
  • kiriyamakazou
    November 14, 2008
    kiriyamakazou
    EEEEEWWWWW! It's yucky. Luckily though this film is so much more than its fantastic finale. The build up in paranoia is both nerve wracking and questionable. This may well all be taking place inside the protagonists head. The performances are never great but being a horror it doe... read moresn't affect the overall quality too much. The satirical take on the upper-class is very blatant and obvious (mainly because it is spelled out) but once again it doesn't ruin the film because of the brilliant twisted sense of humour. Even cliche movie lines such as "I'm getting too old for this shit" are used in new and hilarious ways. The finale gives host to some incredible special effects that are still impressive and gag inducing today. Right up there with The Thing in terms of body shock horror and comedy timing.
  • puffchunk
    February 25, 2008
    puffchunk
    Woa. The guy who made Re-animator teams up with the makeup guy from Freaked and produced a real gem. Society is Yuzna's view that society is a very different species indeed, as they morph around in incestual orgies where they suck off of humans and 'shunt' them up the butt. So... read moreunds gross? Oh it is...it is...
  • webalina
    May 11, 2007
    webalina
    A twisted film about rich society members feeding off the poor...literally.
  • deano
    November 8, 2006
    deano
    Awfully!
  • John2223
    December 2, 2011
    John2223
    "Society" is a bit disturbing movie, where the fight of classes is presented in a very original way. It has decent acting and great special effects. The story could be much better, but it is an interesting political and economical view. The only problem I have with the movie is t... read morehe director tends to put comedic moments in the movie when they are completely inappropriate. Also, some of the side characters are just worthless and almost ruin the horror at the end of the movie.
    I highly recommend this flick to anyone that wants something different and original.
  • MightySparks
    April 14, 2009
    MightySparks
    A strange thing about this: I acquired this one day, after searching out 'weird' movies. Around that same time, John told me about a weird movie he'd seen once, he couldn't remember the title and I attempted to search for it, but alas, with no luck. Not long after, I decided to w... read moreatch this. Throughout, I had the strangest feeling it was the movie John had told me about, and it turned out it was.

    Right, enough about that. I think that was part of the reason it's rated so high. It was strange, which is good, and the ending was awesome. Some people complain about the effects, but I didn't think they were too bad and as long as it's not CGI, I'm happy!

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Critic Reviews

Rumsey Taylor
November 1, 2004
Rumsey Taylor, Not Coming to a Theater Near You

Although Society is at first blemished by its dated humor and contrived teenage self-discovery, we find everything is in service to a truly sensational ending. Full Review

Andreas Samuelson
July 20, 2004
Andreas Samuelson, Slasherpool

An attempt to make a different movie. And yes, it's different indeed but different is far from the same thing as good Full Review

Scott Weinberg
February 26, 2003
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

Dreary suburban drama with a goopy horror finale, Society seems to be about a whole lot of ideas - when in truth it presents one or two pedestrian concepts and then repeats them ad nauseum. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
July 23, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Alan Simpson
November 23, 2003
Alan Simpson, Sex Gore Mutants

No review available.

Keith H. Brown
November 11, 2002
Keith H. Brown, Eye for Film

Click to read the article Full Review

Marc Savlov
January 1, 2000
Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle

Click to read the article Full Review

Derek Adams
June 24, 2006
Derek Adams, Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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