Billy Warlock, Devin DeVasquez, Evan Richards

Story about a young man's family whose behavior takes a strange turn.

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56% liked it

562 ratings

R, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Brian Yuzna, Bryan Yuzna

Release Date: January 1, 1989

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DVD Release Date: September 10, 2002

Stats: 215 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (215)


  • September 26, 2009
    Obvious plotting... obvious plotting... obvious plotting... well BOY HOWDY look at that.
  • September 23, 2009
    Billy Whitney is a troubled kid who's seeing a shrink because of his fear of loved ones and those that are close, which he has a hard time fitting in with his wealthy family as he feels he doesn't belong with them. He's also a student at Beverly Hills Academy who's running for pr...( read more)esident and is dating the head cheerleader, so things aren't all bad. Although things suddenly change for the worse when Billy's Sister's ex-boyfriend convinces him there's something strange about his family. Now Billy gets pulled into a very frightening world that's filled with surreal images and where the paranoia is finally tearing him apart. But what's to come for Billy will be more shocking than what he can comprehend.

    After watching a horror-mystery the day before I decided to put my teeth into another, Yuzna's 'Society'. You'll think that Society comes across as usual pure 80's trash in the very cheesy kind. And it does look like that and actually descends into that pattern. But firstly the way it started off you might think otherwise, as it does open proceedings rather eerily with an tight prologue and then a haunting tune through the opening credits, but soon it takes a real sharp turn from its beginning and heads into familiar 80's horror territory, with the usual corny dialogue, gratuitous nudity, camp performances and over-the-top humour. Although when it comes to the final 20 minutes or so, you totally are blown off your feet and possibly are in a state of bemusement. During this stage it turns disturbing and rather disgusting, while there's classical music streaming along. I know that I was left with a bewildered impression on my face and I would be surprised if you don't get the same feeling too. Meaning it's a good idea to make sure your not eating when coming up towards the film's perverted climax.

    The odd but fun story does play out like a teen flick with nice amount of mystery and yep I say it, satire. This story has more to it and that shows in the hidden agendas and subtle dialog that all seems to come together perfectly. On a second viewing you would easily pick up on these hints within the script. You got your sick in-jokes, lame pun and plain wicked tone. Back onto the satire now, which this story is an allegory on the rich looking down on the less privilege and finally screwing over the poor. These amusing pot-attacks are scattered across the story, while also worked into the mystery side of the story with Billy trying to figure what's going on and what's this 'society' is. Some moments you see have you contemplating if what he sees is a figment of his imagination. The reason why you question this is because his seeing a shrink so is it just in his head or is this nightmare for real. This is presented in a very good manner and that's because of the man behind the camera.

    Brian Yuzna who produced the great 'Re-animator (1985)' makes his directorial debut here and does an extraordinary job. No real atmosphere is generated, but he paces it with such elasticity that there's no labouring about and he ups the suspense with assured handling and control. The humour and horror balance is a bit uneven, at times it felt oddly out of place, but it doesn't destroy the fun mood. Camera placement is rather sharp and well executed, with a nice eye for shots and moods. Going with it all is a likable heroine played by Billy Warlock from 'Bay watch' fame. While, the rest of the acting is nothing out of the norm for a film like this. Everyone was effective in their parts and contributed to the enjoyment that followed. The production is incredibly slick and that's evident by the locations and Screaming Mad George's mind-blowing special effects. Those messed up effects that come out of the blue are what makes this film memorable in its inevitable outcome!

    There's nothing really creepy about this real jokey 80's horror flick, but when it gets to the ending credits you'll be left with one real lasting impression? I assure you!
  • September 9, 2009
    Society is Brian Yuzna's most underrated film. It has the perfect balance of horror, suspense, humour and gore. It's also quite intelligent for what it is and has the most bizarre special effects ever! Bizarre special effects are goood! :o)
  • November 14, 2008
    EEEEEWWWWW! It's yucky. Luckily though this film is so much more than its fantastic finale. The build up in paranoia is both nerve wracking and questionable. This may well all be taking place inside the protagonists head. The performances are never great but being a horror it doe...( read more)sn't affect the overall quality too much. The satirical take on the upper-class is very blatant and obvious (mainly because it is spelled out) but once again it doesn't ruin the film because of the brilliant twisted sense of humour. Even cliche movie lines such as "I'm getting too old for this shit" are used in new and hilarious ways. The finale gives host to some incredible special effects that are still impressive and gag inducing today. Right up there with The Thing in terms of body shock horror and comedy timing.
  • February 25, 2008
    Woa. The guy who made Re-animator teams up with the makeup guy from Freaked and produced a real gem. Society is Yuzna's view that society is a very different species indeed, as they morph around in incestual orgies where they suck off of humans and 'shunt' them up the butt. So...( read more)unds gross? Oh it is...it is...
  • September 8, 2009
    Although riddled with plotholes and featuring a really lame ending I mostly enjoyed this film. I like the fact that during most of the movie you won't know for sure if the main character is imagining the things or not. This has also got to be one of the weirdest movies I've ever ...( read more)seen featuring some really f*cked up scenes towards the end...
  • August 8, 2009
    Another one that i remember seeing when i was a kid...
  • June 22, 2009
    Predictable and an average execution. But fun anyway.
  • May 10, 2009
    the script is lame.
    the acting is shit.
    the direction a bit weak.
    officially disowned by its production company.
    the budget all went on the special effects which were some of the most gloriously insane sexual imagery this reviewer's ever witnessed. Should have won a Most Per...( read more)verse SFX award for 1989. The opening scene will live long in my mind.
  • February 18, 2009
    HOLY SHIT MAN!!! Geting thru the first hour of horrible 80's action and plot will lead to one of the weirderst twisted bizzare abnormal freaky ass culmantions ever. Friggin NUTS MAN!

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