Messiah of Evil (1973) – The Forgotten Nightmare That Predicted Modern Horror

Film Comment called Messiah Of Evil one of the top 10 classic, overlooked horror films of all time. Rotten Tomatoes gives this classic a 100%! The film was released under several alternate titles in the following years, such as Return of the Living Dead, Revenge of the Screaming Dead, and Night of the Damned. Step into the dreamlike terror of Messiah of Evil (1973), a surreal horror cult classic that blends supernatural dread, zombie folklore, and Lovecraftian mystery. Directed by Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz (the duo behind American Graffiti and Temple of Doom), this atmospheric gem follows Arletty’s descent into a cursed California beach town haunted by undead cultists and the ominous return of the “Dark Stranger.”
With haunting visuals, eerie soundscapes, and a slow-burn descent into madness, Messiah of Evil is a must-watch for fans of vintage horror, folk horror, and experimental cinema. Rediscover the film that quietly influenced Dawn of the Dead, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Dead & Buried.
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