31 Days of Horror- Day 29: Demons 2 (1986)

(dir. Lamberto Bava)

Titanus Distribuzione

* First time viewing

Tenants of a high-rise apartment building must contend with a horde of demons.

Demons (1985) was one of my favorite first-time watches of last year, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to check out Demons 2. Bava’s sequel is amps up the set pieces by moving the stage for conflict from a movie theater to an apartment complex. While the space is bigger, Demons 2 doesn’t have the same magic as its predecessor. Don’t get me wrong, the film is still enjoyable, and filled with exquisite practical effects, but it’s not as startling, ambitious, or gorgeously shot as its predecessor. The acting, in which the voices are dubbed over, is of course not great, but there is a certain try-hard earnestness to them that’s enjoyable in a kitschy sort of way. The central characters for this night of terror are a call-girl, a couple expecting a baby, an unhappy party girl throwing her 16^th birthday party, a ten-year old boy, and a group of weight lifters. It’s the party girl who unleashes the first demon, and much in the same way as the first film, it’s a movie that provides the doorway through which these monsters from hell enter our world. It’s a bit nonsensical and the film within the film aspect doesn’t work as well as the first film, but it’s still a cool concept. From that point them film plays our much like the first, (there’s even another group of punk teenagers speeding a car towards the apartment, listening to hit 80s tunes, who have no bearing on the plot whatsoever.) But it’s not the people that make Bava’s film something to marvel at.

Demons 2 may be a bit less gory than the first film, but in terms of practical gore standards, this film is still a high mark. The initial transformation of party girl, Sally, is exquisite. Fangs push out of her gums, shoving her teeth out of her mouth as blood streaked runnels make their way down her face. Another scene sees a Gremlins-esque mini demon claw its way out of its victim’s abdomen and wreak havoc on a couple. This film plays looser with the rules than the first film did, but it does allow for some really cleverly executed set pieces, including a great one that takes place in elevator shaft, and some gory finishes. Special effects artist, Sergio Stivaletti is once again the true hero of this film, and the visages of these demons still stand as some of horror’s best and most creative works.

Scare Factor: 2/5 Demons 2 is a solid sequel that fans of the first will enjoy, and it’s a make-up and special effects enthusiasts’ blood soaked dream. It's kind of a shame that Bava didn't follow this film up with a third entry. Even in the realm of diminishing returns, Demons 2 is a breath of fresh air within 80s horror fare.