“Shivers,” also known as “They Came from Within,” is a Canadian science fiction horror film directed by David Cronenberg. Released in 1975, it is one of Cronenberg’s early works and is considered a seminal film in the body horror subgenre. Here are some key details about “Shivers”:
Overview
- Title: “Shivers” (also known as “They Came from Within”)
- Director: David Cronenberg
- Writer: David Cronenberg
- Release Date: 1975
- Country: Canada
- Language: English
- Genre: Science Fiction, Horror
Plot Summary
The film is set in an upscale high-rise apartment complex called Starliner Towers, located on a remote island near Montreal. The story revolves around a parasitic organism created by a scientist named Dr. Emil Hobbes. This organism is a combination of aphrodisiac and venereal disease, designed to replace diseased organs in the human body. However, it has a horrific side effect: it turns its hosts into sex-crazed, violent individuals who seek to spread the parasite to others.
As the parasite begins to infect the residents of the building, chaos ensues. The protagonist, Dr. Roger St. Luc, discovers the outbreak and attempts to stop it, but the parasite’s rapid spread leads to an unstoppable epidemic. The film ends on a grim note, with the implication that the infection will spread beyond the confines of the building.
Themes and Style
- Body Horror: “Shivers” is a prime example of Cronenberg’s fascination with body horror, exploring themes of bodily transformation, infection, and the loss of control over one’s own body.
- Sexuality and Violence: The film delves into the relationship between sexuality and violence, using the parasite as a metaphor for the uncontrollable nature of human desires.
- Isolation and Urban Living: The setting in a high-rise apartment complex underscores themes of isolation and the alienation of urban living, where close proximity to others does not necessarily mean genuine human connection.
Production and Reception
- Budget: “Shivers” was made on a modest budget, with funding from the Canadian Film Development Corporation (CFDC), which later faced controversy due to the film’s explicit content.
- Cast: The cast includes Paul Hampton as Dr. Roger St. Luc, Joe Silver as Rollo Linsky, and Lynn Lowry as Nurse Forsythe. Barbara Steele, a well-known actress in horror films, also has a significant role as Betts.
- Controversy: Upon its release, “Shivers” sparked controversy for its graphic depictions of sex and violence. It faced criticism from some quarters for its explicit content, but also gained a cult following for the same reasons.
- Legacy: Despite the initial controversy, “Shivers” is now regarded as a cult classic and an important work in Cronenberg’s filmography. It helped establish Cronenberg’s reputation as a master of horror and paved the way for his subsequent explorations of similar themes in films like “Rabid” (1977), “The Brood” (1979), and “Videodrome” (1983).
Influence
“Shivers” has had a lasting impact on the horror genre and is often studied for its innovative approach to horror and its thematic depth. It remains a key film for understanding Cronenberg’s oeuvre and the development of body horror as a distinct subgenre.
In summary, “Shivers” is a landmark film in the horror genre, notable for its exploration of body horror, sexuality, and urban alienation. Directed by David Cronenberg, it remains an influential and controversial work that continues to be studied and appreciated by fans and scholars of horror cinema.
