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Shivers
1975 88 min Canada R 18+
★6.6
Horror, Science Fiction
Director: David Cronenberg
Trailers
EN
Teaser
EN
Description
The residents of a suburban high-rise apartment building are infected by parasites that turn them into mindless nymphomaniac fiends.
Budget:
$179,000
Worldwide:
$1M
Starring
Paul Hampton
Actor
Joe Silver
Actor
Lynn Lowry
Actor
Awards
1 win & 1 nomination total
Key opinion
Shivers is widely recognized as a foundational, provocative entry in David Cronenberg’s filmography that established the body-horror genre. While the film is praised for its bold, unsettling concept and historical significance, it is often noted for its raw, low-budget execution and uneven technical polish.
| Originality | The film serves as an essential, proto-typical entry in the body-horror genre that effectively showcases Cronenberg's emerging thematic preoccupation with biological decay and repressed instinct. | |
| Production | The production succeeds in creating a claustrophobic, effective atmosphere despite severe budget and time constraints. | |
| Acting | Performances are generally perceived as amateurish or wooden, often reflecting the director's early lack of experience with feature-length casting. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is a subject of debate; some find the narrative momentum effective and dynamic, while others feel the tension dissipates significantly in the second half. | |
| Theme | Opinions on the film's provocative nature are divided: some admire the bold, amoral exploration of sexuality, while others find the execution lacks sufficient eroticism or narrative justification. |