Cindy,Beautiful day outside, isn't it? Nothing like good old southern California for lots of sunshine!
Carla, I was raped.

Directed by Sidney Furie
Barbara Hershey as Carla Moran
Ron Silver as Dr. Sneiderman


The Entity 1981

The Entity is set in Los Angeles in the early seventies. Carla Moran is a single lady and the mother of three children. When Carla is not working she’s taking typing classes so she can land a better paying job and raise her family. She also has a long distance relationship with a business man who always seems to have just one more business trip out of town and then he can marry her and settle down. The single mom with three kids, struggling financially, working, attending night classes and in an awkward relationship sort of picture is painted.

After all, this is not so far fetched in Los Angeles in the early seventies is it? Another reason that the plot is believable is that the novel that this film is based on is an actual account of what happened to Carla Morgan {name has been changed} and her kids. Then in the blink of an eye her life would change forever. One night after coming home from a days work and her typing class Carla is violently raped. The problem is that physically, there was no man in the room. Whatever had raped her she could not see it. While she could not defend herself The Entity could assault and rape Carla at will. The only signs she would feel when The Entity would come is its foul smell, a drop in room temperature and her sixth sense.

Carla confided in her best friend Cindy and told her what had happened. Cindy assumed Carla had slipped over the far side and recommended going to see Dr. Sneiderman, a Psychiatrist. Carla told the Doctor what had happened and he also explained to her that she was having hallucinations and must be biting, masturbating and assaulting herself. Her father had probably spanked her once too often and the good doctor assured Carla that they would get to the bottom of her issues through counseling. She was scared, hurt, concerned for her children and now questioned her own sanity. While Dr. Sneiderman counseled Carla the rapes and assaults continued. Only now The Entity had attacked her son Billy. Billy suffered a broken arm as he attempted to help his mother during another assault. As fate would have it Carla inadvertently runs into a couple of paranormal investigators and students from a local University. It seems these two interns lead by their professor, Dr. Cooley is her last chance of survival and sanity.


Conclusion

I remembered seeing this film when it was first released. Over the past few years I have looked for it but could never recall the name of this film. Then while browsing through the films at Netflix a finally found The Entity. I put this film right up there with the scariest movies ever. I do this because scary movies that are based on an actual account tend to carry a big chill factor with me. The Exorcist definitely comes to mind.

The Entity is not so much into the special effects as they are the story. That being said, The Entity will stick with you. The story was written very well and it has a good pace throughout the two hours. The director develops the characters and gets right into the story and the suspense that goes with it. The sets, cinematography and directing were all solid. The cast and acting in the film was also very good. Barbara Hershey had a difficult role to act as Carla and she aced the role. Some of the special effects were decent for the year in which the film was made. The script is very thought provoking and the plot is down right spooky. If you like a good scare once in a while and you have not seen this one, I would highly recommend it. If The Exorcist and The Poltergeist stirred your emotions than so will The Entity.

Movie Run Time: 2 hours
Rated [R]


Related Films & Reviews

~ The Top Ten Scariest Movies
~ The Exorcist

Thanks for the read,
© 2007 Joe McMaster

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older