Director – Gonzalo Suarez (Don Juan in Hell, Beatriz)
Starring – Ana Belen (Turkish Passion, The Queen of Spain), Victor Manuel (El Hormiguero: Vacaciones en el Titanic, Al Diablo Con Amor), and Michael J. Pollard (House of 1000 Corpses, Scrooged)
Release Date – 1972
Rating – 3/5
Blu Release – 3/5
I love boutique labels like Mondo Macabro. Their dedication to fringe films and movies from other countries has really opened my eyes to how awesome some of these underrated and forgotten international films are. Several weeks back I was sent a couple films from Mondo Macabro for review. The first film, Aswang, really caught my eye and I decided it would be the first of the three films to review.
After I checked that one out I moved on to the 1972 Spanish thriller Morbo featuring the late Michael J. Pollard. I had no idea he was in the film but the second I saw his face I couldn’t help but smile. I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one along.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a newlywed couple who set out on a trip for their honeymoon where they find themselves at the center of several odd occurrences. The young bride finds herself attacked by a man and accidentally kills him while protecting herself. The dead man’s blind mothers then tries to kill them and the new husband accidentally kills her while protecting his bride. They are forced to bury the bodies before continuing their honeymoon trip but forget to cut out their initials and date in a tree before leaving. **Spoiler Alert**
Morbo is not a horror movie. Hell, it’s not really the thriller it claims to be but it was as much fun as it it strange. I can see some of my cult movie friends really dig this one while a lot of my horror hipster friends shunning it for not being gory or edgy enough. Regardless, I enjoyed it and think a lot of movie lovers will too if they give it a chance.
The acting in this one is very well done. The characters are unlikable but I think they were written that way. The cast puts a lot of time and energy into bringing their characters to life which shows. The scenes are a lot of fun and they really pull you in. You are truly invested in what is happening to them.
The story for this one is not what I would consider horror or thriller but it does borrow from those elements. Basically, we have a drama where two love birds accidentally kill a mother and son combo accidentally while protecting themselves. It’s fun and I really enjoyed it but it is a slow build up. Those looking for instant satisfaction of a thriller with some great tension will be very disappointed.
Finally, we do have two deaths but they are not that memorable. They fit the film and are huge plot points but if you are looking for fun effects and gore you will surely be disappointed here. Overall, Morbo is not going to be for those looking for lot of gore and memorable effects. However, it is an unusual story that I found myself truly invested in. I really enjoyed it and think a lot of cult movie fans will as well. I highly recommend snagging this release from Mondo Macabro.
Special Features:
Region free.
Brand new 4K restoration from the original negative.
Choice of English or Spanish audio with optional English subtitles.
Profile on the career of Ana Belen.
Interview with Sitges Film Festival director Angel Sala about the film.
Audio commentary by Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn of the Naschycast.
