From Beyond – Review

Based on an H.P. Lovecraft short story, From Beyond is an 80s horror gorefest that should fully fit the bill if you are okay with some schlock and buckets of blood. While not as funny as some similar features, the plot is decently creepy and the lower budget was very well utilized. The practical effects are utterly gross. Come find out why everyone is saying “it bit off his head like a gingerbread man!!!”

Finally getting the resonator to work, scientist Crawford Tillinghast (Combs) flips on the switch. First, a corporeal eel appears, floating in the air. Its tangible nature is revealed as it attacks Crawford, forcing him to turn it off. It’s too late however, as the damage is all too real and remains.

Quickly, he runs to roust Dr. Edward Pretorius (Sorel), the leading scientist on the project, and shows him the working machine. Enamored with a calling from “the other side,” Pretorius leans into the machine’s power and allows the experiment to continue to run. Crawford tries to cut the power, but it is too late, and the machine is self-sustaining.

As a riled-up neighbor comes to the experiment’s site, a seemingly normal house, colored lights and loud noises escape its upstairs. Crawford attempts to make an escape down the staircase and outside, but what is left of the experiment? What has come… From Beyond?

As this is only the opening, the movie plot has a way to go. As new scientists enter the picture and try to recreate experiments, things can only go right. While the story itself primarily heads to familiar horror places, and it’s not quite as joke-y/silly as some similar 80s gore features, the sheer creativity in effects and bizzarro flavors mixed in makes up for most shortcomings.

You just really need to be able to stomach the bodily destruction featured, and guaranteed it’ll make you say “HOLY SHIT” at least once.