Rent The Demons (1972)

Spoilers follow ... - The Demons review by NP

This Jess Franco tale of demonic nuns and graphic debauchery makes a good stab at portraying period costume and detail. It also boasts another fine performance from Anne Libert (as Kathleen), and an unusual and enjoyable score from Jean-Bernard Raiteux which does a lot to sell the mood of the piece, as does the director’s usual fine eye for locations.

Other than that, this is an often ponderous venture that dashes between sex-scenes and torture. It doesn’t engage much, despite some strong performances (Howard Vernon features sparingly, but is typically strong. Incidentally, I wonder if he always dubs himself for foreign sales of Franco films, because the voice used has an uncanny resemblance to his own timbre). Whereas ‘The Bloody Judge (1970)’, which has similarities with this, had the towering charms of Christopher Lee as a central character with some depth, this has neither. It does have Britt Nichols, who is excellent as Margaret, especially towards the end.

It is enjoyable, just rather dull. Designed possibly to cause a stir similar to Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils (1971)’, this seems content to attempt to shock by mixing Franco’s familiar perversions in religious trappings. This isn’t quite a historical horror movie as, despite its title and premise, delivers nothing much in the way of horror. The gore is somewhat muted, but perhaps this is because I am watching one of several cuts of ‘The Demons’. Running at 79 minutes, this version might have had some of the stuffing taken out of it, although in the latter part of the film, events take on a fittingly demonic turn!

Not Franco’s best then, but certainly worth watching.