Photo credit: movieweb.com
Rediscovering ‘The Entity’: A New Take on a Horror Classic
The 1980s marked a pivotal era for the horror genre, introducing audiences to iconic characters and innovative filmmaking techniques. Amidst the standout figures like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees, one supernatural horror film often overlooked is 1982’s The Entity. Recently, it has garnered renewed attention with plans for a fresh adaptation featuring star Heather Graham.
According to Deadline, Graham (Boogie Nights, Suitable Flesh) is set to headline Entity Within, a project from producers known for their work on Insidious and Paranormal Activity. Directed by Nick Simon, this film aims to reinterpret a chilling paranormal event based on the life of Doris Bither, a woman who reported disturbing experiences of supernatural assaults. GVN Releasing will handle the film’s production and distribution in North America, with Missy Valdez, GVN’s Head of Production, expressing her excitement for what she calls an “elevated horror movie.”
Valdez emphasized the significance of portraying the true story respectfully: “This film is based on a true story and that truth is chilling. It is an honor and a challenge to bring Doris’s raw and terrifying experiences to the screen with care and dignity. So proud to be part of this film. This is an elevated horror film that blends emotional depth with real-life terror, and we believe it will deeply resonate with both genre fans and new audiences alike.”
The narrative of Entity Within is set in the suburban landscape of Los Angeles in 1974, paralleling the events depicted in the original film. Graham will portray Doris, a single mother facing violent disturbances from an unseen force within her home. Feeling unheard and unsupported, she eventually seeks the aid of paranormal investigators, leading to the documentation of one of the most unsettling supernatural cases in American history.
Barbara Hershey’s Unforgettable Performance in ‘The Entity’
Joining Graham in Entity Within are Mimi Rogers (Bosch), Morgan Peter Brown (Absentia), and Kevin Keppy (Smile). The original film, helmed by Sidney J. Furie, remains memorable largely due to Barbara Hershey’s outstanding performance as Doris. Hershey’s portrayal was powerful and emotionally charged, deserving of accolades that unfortunately were not received at the time, particularly an Oscar nomination alongside her contemporaries such as Meryl Streep and Sissy Spacek.
Despite its groundbreaking themes, The Entity was often dismissed upon release, even facing protests from those who found its content troubling and exploitative. However, as time has passed, critical re-evaluation has revealed its significance, prompting a new audience to discover its narrative. While some elements may feel dated, it undeniably stands as a hallmark of supernatural horror cinema from the 1980s and beyond.
Further details regarding Entity Within, including trailers and debut dates, are anticipated in the coming months. Those looking to revisit the original The Entity can still find used DVD and Blu-ray copies available on platforms like eBay and Amazon.
Source: Deadline
Source
movieweb.com