Director – Paul Naschy (The Night of the Executioner, The Beast and the Magic Sword)
Starring – Paul Naschy, Julia Saly (Night of the Werewolf, Demon Witch Child), and Lola Gaos (Blood Hunt, My Dear Killer)
Release Date – 1983
Rating – 3.5/5
Blu Release – 3/5
I’m a huge fan of Spanish horror legend Paul Naschy. If you have read my reviews for any length of time you’ve noticed that I’ve reviewed a few dozen or so of his films by this point with almost all of them getting a positive rating. I love his films and I seem to have a rather larger love for the films that he has directed.
A few days ago Mondo Macabro sent out three of their newest releases for me to review. Queens of Evil was my favorite of the bunch but the second film, Blood Ceremony, did not disappoint either. I decided to end my marathon with Naschy’s Panic Beats. This is one I’ve wanted to see for sometime but never had a chance until now. Thank you Mondo and CAV for sending this one over.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows Paul (Naschy) who takes his ill wife to his family manor deep in the country in hopes of the quiet living would help her with her heart condition. However, he is only doing this to look like a loving husband on the surface. Instead, he hopes of scaring her to death with helps of his mistress. His mistress, a woman even more evil than Paul, has other plans for Paul which invokes the wrath of his ancestor who returns when any of his bloodline is wronged. **Spoiler Alert**
There is just something about the films of Paul Naschy from the mid-to-late 70s but I don’t think I had seen any of his work in the 80s. Panic Beats has his usual style and tension but the 80s look is a little different even though it is just a few years disconnect from his other films that I had seen previously. I really enjoyed this one and how the story was not what you expect.
The acting in this one is great. We get another duel role from Naschy himself. Both characters are similar to his other roles from previous films but that doesn’t make them any less entertaining. With that being said, his supporting cast carries the film a hell of a lot further than his performance did. The characters are so well written and the cast does a phenomenal job bringing them to life.
The story for this one is a bit of a slow paced one. The character development carries the story through the slower scenes and the ending makes it all worth the wait. The slow moving story works with the atmosphere Naschy crafts and the tension during some of the later scenes is absolutely perfect for the scene. Naschy has always been known for his roles in horror but you never hear people mention how much of an amazing director he was.
Finally, the film has several bloody deaths that I was not expecting. The kills themselves use the bright red blood but the practical effects are absolutely amazing. They are brutal and Naschy milks the deaths for every second he can. Overall, Panic Beats is a must for any fans of Naschy or Spanish horror in general. I absolutely loved it but some of you may not enjoy the slow build up. Regardless, this is a great release from Mondo and I highly suggest that collectors snag this one.
Special Features:
Brand new 4k transfer from film negative.
Two interviews with Paul Naschy.
Audio commentary from The Naschycast (Troy Guinn & Rod Barnett).
Optional subtitles.
Mondo Macabro previews.
