“Night of the Creeps” is a 1986 American science fiction horror comedy film directed by Fred Dekker. It has become a cult classic over the years due to its unique blend of humor, horror, and homage to B-movies. Here are some key details about the film and its alternate versions:
Plot Summary
“Night of the Creeps” follows the story of two college friends, Chris Romero (Jason Lively) and J.C. Hooper (Steve Marshall), who accidentally release alien parasites that turn people into zombies. These slug-like creatures enter human bodies through the mouth, taking control of their hosts. The film’s narrative spans several decades, starting with an alien experiment gone wrong in the 1950s and culminating in a night of terror at a university in the 1980s. The movie features Detective Ray Cameron (Tom Atkins), who helps the students fight off the zombie invasion.
Key Features
- Homage to B-Movies: The film pays tribute to the horror and sci-fi B-movies of the 1950s and 1960s, with references and nods throughout. The characters’ names, for example, are derived from famous horror and sci-fi directors (e.g., Chris Romero, J.C. Hooper).
- Blend of Genres: “Night of the Creeps” skillfully mixes horror, comedy, and science fiction, making it a unique and entertaining film.
- Cult Status: While it was not a major box office success upon its release, the film has gained a dedicated following over the years, particularly for its humor, practical effects, and nostalgic appeal.
Alternate Versions
“Night of the Creeps” is known for having two different endings, which have contributed to its cult status:
- Theatrical Ending:
- In the original theatrical ending, after the climactic battle with the zombies, the camera pans to the street where the sorority house mother’s body, now controlled by the slugs, collapses. The alien slugs then crawl out of her head and head towards a nearby cemetery. This ending suggests that the threat of the alien parasites is far from over. The film concludes with a spaceship descending over the cemetery, indicating the aliens are searching for their lost experiment.
- Alternate (Director’s Cut) Ending:
- In the director’s cut, the ending is slightly different. After the same climactic battle, Detective Ray Cameron, who has been bitten, walks out of the burning sorority house, falls to his knees, and dies. His head then bursts open, releasing the alien slugs. This version also shows the spaceship arriving at the cemetery, implying the continuation of the threat. This ending aligns more closely with Dekker’s original vision for the film.
Home Media Releases
- DVD and Blu-ray: “Night of the Creeps” was released on DVD and Blu-ray with both endings included. The 2009 release features a director’s cut that primarily restores Dekker’s preferred ending, along with other bonus features like commentary tracks, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with the cast and crew.
Legacy and Influence
“Night of the Creeps” has influenced numerous filmmakers and has been appreciated for its inventive storytelling and clever homage to genre cinema. The film’s blend of humor and horror, along with its memorable lines (such as Tom Atkins’ “Thrill me!”), has solidified its status as a beloved cult classic.
Fred Dekker’s “Night of the Creeps” remains a testament to creative filmmaking in the horror-comedy genre, celebrated for its wit, charm, and reverence for the films that inspired it.
