Rabid

Rabid is a 1977 Canadian horror film directed by David Cronenberg, known for his body horror and medical themes. The film stars Marilyn Chambers, Frank Moore, and Harry Dean Stanton. The movie's plot revolves around Rose (Marilyn Chambers), a young woman who suffers severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. Following her accident, Rose is rushed to a hospital, where she undergoes extensive surgery to repair her damaged body. The traumatic injuries are severe and extensive, but Rose recovers, albeit with some lingering effects from the ordeal. As the story progresses, we learn that Rose has developed an unusual condition brought about by the crash – a retractable, vampiric stinger in her armpit. The stinger, resembling a fang, emerges from Rose's arm and is accompanied by an uncontrollable thirst for human blood. Her desire for the crimson liquid is insatiable, and if she does not feed, she experiences an excruciating pain that forces her to seek out her next meal. This new addiction drives Rose to hunt down other humans, particularly men, to satisfy her growing hunger. The story shifts its focus to Rose's relationship with Brad (Frank Moore), a young and ambitious man. The couple engages in a romantic relationship before Rose's newfound affliction is triggered. Initially, Brad seems oblivious to the danger that has emerged within their partner, but he soon discovers Rose's vampiric condition and becomes entangled in a desperate fight for survival. As Rose struggles to maintain control over her cravings and Brad's health begins to deteriorate due to Rose's attacks, the dynamics of their relationship become increasingly complex. While the love and care that Brad has once showed Rose start to unravel, Rose begins to exhibit a sense of paranoia and isolation, fearing that her loved one will turn against her or seek revenge for the destruction she has unleashed. The film explores themes of transformation, obsession, and the dark side of love. David Cronenberg's work on Rabid emphasizes the visceral, the visceral physical aspect of the stinger and its effects. The film's cinematography highlights the raw power and intensity of the body's reactions when faced with trauma and injury. One notable aspect of the movie is how it handles the intersection of sex and violence, two common themes in Cronenberg's work. The way in which Rose, a young woman, is initially portrayed as a promiscuous and sensual individual, and then descends into an animalistic hunt for blood, adds a layer of complexity to the story. This portrayal not only critiques traditional notions of femininity but also delves into the darker aspects of human nature. In the latter stages of the film, it becomes clear that Rose is not the only individual affected by the motorcycle accident. As more people begin to develop the vampiric stingers, the once-patient population quickly spirals into chaos and terror. The film culminates in a dark, suspenseful sequence where the infected roam the streets, searching for their next victims in a desperate bid to feed their ravenous hunger. Ultimately, Rabid is a gripping horror film that showcases Cronenberg's mastery of body horror. The movie remains unsettling and unnerving, leaving the viewer to question the boundaries between humanity and monstrosity. Despite its graphic content and slow-burning pace, Rabid remains a thought-provoking, unsettling film that delves into the darker corners of the human psyche.