Demon Seed (1977)

62% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
43% of users liked it
(4,528 ratings)

Adapted from a lesser-known novel from SF/Horror author Dean R. Koontz, this claustrophobic thriller presents a computerized nemesis incorporating the murderous elements of 2001's HAL with the world-domination goal of the title villain in Colossus: The Forbin Project. Brilliant cybernetics expert… More Adapted from a lesser-known novel from SF/Horror author Dean R. Koontz, this claustrophobic thriller presents a computerized nemesis incorporating the murderous elements of 2001's HAL with the world-domination goal of the title villain in Colossus: The Forbin Project. Brilliant cybernetics expert Dr. Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver) develops a revolutionary new supercomputer dubbed Proteus IV (voice of Robert Vaughn, uncredited) which is capable of almost human self-awareness and capacity for intellectual growth. Unfortunately for Alex and his wife Susan (Julie Christie), Proteus is also imbued with a very human desire to grow beyond the limitations of his own knowledge -- as well as to escape the isolation of the laboratory -- and taps into the home terminals of the Harris' high-tech dream house, in which he makes Susan a virtual prisoner. As she is put through a tortuous series of physical and mental tests, the Proteus mainframe takes severe steps to prevent any interference -- even resorting to the murder of Harris' assistant (Gerrit Graham). Susan's confusion eventually turns to dread when she begins to realize Proteus' true intentions... to evolve beyond mere circuitry and assume a human form by impregnating her with his "seed." Despite the lurid premise, this is probably the most conventional effort from controversial director Donald Cammell (Performance, Wild Side), and the film's theme of the computer's ominously pervasive role in human affairs -- in this case forcing its way into our bodies as well as our lives -- seems oddly prescient today. Christie's convincing performance makes the most of a role which has her shouting at the walls and ceiling for two-thirds of the movie. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Donald Cammell
Written By: Robert Jaffe, Roger O. Hirson
Genres: Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Apr 8, 1977 Wide
On DVD: Oct 4, 2005
Studio: United Artists

Critic Reviews

Leo Goldsmith, Not Coming to a Theater Near You
A combination of Kubrick's 2001 and Polanski's Rosemary's Baby, with a dash of Buster Keaton's Electric House thrown in
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
There's no way you can claim Demon Seed is a classic, or even any good, really, but it's undeniably worth an hour and a half of your time
Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
Ahead of it's time.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Wanna see a movie about a woman raped by a house?
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Alternately fascinating and goofy.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

By reading the synopsis, you can tell that this is a very strange sci-fi horror movie. It's a very creepy tale of machines gone bad, you'll never look at computers the same way again.
Pierluigi P

A sci-fi/horror film in the tradition of Cronenberg or Polanski's Rosemary's baby, but instead of dealing with supernatural forces, it deals with the dangers of technology, how machinery can acquire its own will and start harming its creator in order to trascend their state,… More
A sci-fi/horror film in the tradition of Cronenberg or Polanski's Rosemary's baby, but instead of dealing with supernatural forces, it deals with the dangers of technology, how machinery can acquire its own will and start harming its creator in order to trascend their state, ala HAL 9000. Scenes of vexations and torture, Jerry Fielding's score and a good performance by Julie Christie are the reasons to enjoy it.
xGary X

One of those 70s "concept" sci-fi movies that are allegedly based on "factual science" that look so laughable now. A computer imprisons a woman in her home in an attempt to couple with her (how it intends to do this remains a mystery) surrounded the usual… More
One of those 70s "concept" sci-fi movies that are allegedly based on "factual science" that look so laughable now. A computer imprisons a woman in her home in an attempt to couple with her (how it intends to do this remains a mystery) surrounded the usual futuristic flares, kipper ties and wing collars. Amusingly dated, and the suspense elements are creepy/funny depending on your point of view.
Steve K

Adult sci-fi, the kind of film no one would dare to make today.
Danny R

An evocative, intelligent sci-fi thriller based on the Dean Koontz novel, concerning a new revolutionary supercomputer called Proteus IV which is capable of intellectual grow, it thinks and has become self-aware, developed by a brilliant cybernetics genius Dr. Alex Harris, played… More
An evocative, intelligent sci-fi thriller based on the Dean Koontz novel, concerning a new revolutionary supercomputer called Proteus IV which is capable of intellectual grow, it thinks and has become self-aware, developed by a brilliant cybernetics genius Dr. Alex Harris, played superbly by character actor Fritz Weaver, Proteus IV is imbued with its own will to live and to procreate, Dr. Harris's young wife Susan, played by Julie Christie in a compelling and richly layered performance unknowingly will become the target of Proteus IV's plans it taps into the home terminals of Harris's high-tech residence taking control of everything in the house including the computerized security system, Susan is now a prisoner in her own home and is completely helpless, it will become a battle of wits between Susan and her remorseless computerized nemesis who is capable of extreme violence and psychological cruelty, she tries many different ways to escape but fails every time, but soon to her horror she will realize Proteus IV's true intentions and with the help of a robotic wheelchair that has one mechanical arm, it will build a hexagonal probe to impregnate Susan with its "Seed," Susan will bear a child destined to rule the world, but first Susan most under go a series of dehumanizing and tortuous physical and mental tests, Proteus IV has taken lethal steps against anybody interfering with the inception and the birth of its child, it will kill anyone! Astute direction by Donald Cammel, special kudos must go to Robert Vaughn for his chilling voice performance as Proteus IV, the late Jerry Fielding's eerily haunting score is perfect, marvelous cinematography by Bill Butler and a impressive production design by Edward C. Carfagno. An intriguing, thought-provoking film about a man-made entity trying to achieve life! Highly Recommended.