Society: A Dive into 1980s Social Satire Horror

Brian Yuzna's 1989 film Society stands as a remarkable example of horror as social commentary, predating contemporary works like Get Out. This extraordinary picture unravels a conspiracy where affluent Beverly Hills socialites exploit the less fortunate, culminating in a disgustingly graphic climax that is etched into the viewer's memory. The film immediately signals its bizarre nature with a promise of \"surrealistic make-up effects by Screaming Mad George,\" setting the stage for an unsettling experience.

For a significant portion of its runtime, Society maintains a seemingly ordinary facade, depicting the tale of privileged teenager Bill, portrayed by Billy Warlock, who feels alienated from his affluent family. He begins to suspect his family and peers are involved in a depraved and potentially murderous cult, yet his suspicions are constantly thwarted. The film's initial two-thirds are characterized by a detached, almost anesthetic atmosphere, with wooden dialogue, awkward staging, and a bright, aspirational 1980s aesthetic, all underscored by dissonant synth music. This superficial tranquility is subtly disturbed by suggestions of incestuous psychosexual unease, such as Bill observing strange contortions in his sister's body or witnessing his parents' delighted reactions to slugs.

The film's apparent blandness, whether intentional or not, serves to amplify its ultimate impact. Society builds towards a singular, explosive set-piece that, upon its arrival, delivers an astonishing, orgiastic spectacle of mass body horror. This climactic sequence is not only profoundly unsettling but also deliberately and comically outrageous, breathing repulsive and glistening life into the film. The actors shed their earlier torpor, embracing the madness with an infectious, celebratory fervor. The climax offers a potent political critique, exposing the depravity of power with unflinching directness, echoing the sentiment of 'eat the rich... before they eat you.'

Ultimately, Society masterfully fuses social critique with extreme horror, leaving a lasting impression through its unique blend of the mundane and the monstrous. Its ability to use grotesque imagery to convey a sharp political message underscores the enduring power of horror cinema to challenge and provoke thought.