The Brood centres on a divorced couple engaged in a custody battle, while the mother is undergoing psychiatric treatment. Frank (Art Hindle) believes that the psychiatric facility his ex-wife Nola (Samantha Eggar) is attending is having a negative influence on her when his five-year-old daughter returns from a visit with cuts and bruises over her body. The facility is run by the mysterious, cult-like Dr Raglan, as chillingly portrayed by Oliver Reed. His sessions encourage the patients to express their anger. During Nola’s sessions the people she shows anger towards are brutally murdered by mutant children, forcing Frank to investigate.
The film’s mystery is very well handled, slowly revealing elements of the secret but never showing the full horrific details until the gruesome climax. The creatures aren’t overblown monsters but twisted versions of people, distorted by rage, a representation of the monsters that men can become due to their anger. It keeps the audience glued to the screen throughout to figure out what’s quite going on and doesn’t disappoint in the reveal.
Samantha Eggar fills Nola with a vulnerability that hides a dangerous rage, which appears to be exploited by the creepy Dr Raglan. Frank is a bit of a neutral individual, other than his desire to be a good father and figure out what’s going on we don’t find out much about him. It makes him a little hard to relate to at times, although he does genuinely just seem to be a nice guy.
The Blu-ray is a great transfer, looking totally fresh and new. All the special features are newly made for the Blu-ray release, showing that a lot of effort has been put into this edition. Through interviews the entire production is explored. Art Hindle and his onscreen daughter Cindy Hinds discuss making the film in Meet The Carveths. The cinematographer and producer each get their own features discussing their role in making the film a success. Writer/director David Cronenberg discusses how he broke into filmmaking in the fascinating Cronenberg: The Early Years. The features are incredibly in depth offering the full package for fans.
Overall Verdict: A great, chilling thriller exploring the uncontrollable nature of anger
Special Features:
Meet The Carveths
The Look of Rage
Producing The Brood
Character for Chronenberg
Cronenberg: The Early Years
Reviewer: Matt Mallinson