Underrated Horror Movie of the Month: CASTLE FREAK

Becca Stalnaker

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A man looks over the edge of a castle wall in the horror movie Castle Freak.

Hello again, horror fans! Welcome to this edition of Underrated Horror Movie of the Month. If this is your first time stopping by, welcome to the madness. Twice each month, I discuss an underappreciated and underloved genre film. To any returning readers, here is a small announcement. Previously, you could find all of my horror columns posted on Fridays, but in 2024, I am moving to Saturdays. So, you can catch a new underrated movie every second and fourth Saturday. Also, if you like cheesy horror films, please stop by on the first and third Saturdays.

This edition’s featured film is the 1995 Full Moon production Castle Freak. Stick around to find out why I think this one deserves more love.

About Castle Freak

Loosely based on the H.P. Lovecraft story The OutsiderCastle Freak sees a family travel to Italy, where they have just inherited a 12th-century castle. Soon after arriving, the family experiences strange noises throughout the castle. Their blind daughter also reports that a mysterious person is visiting her bedroom at night. After a while, the family makes a disturbing discovery: the bodies of two people, including the housekeeper, in their basement. What is haunting the halls of their new home? Will the family be the next victims?

RELATED: Horror With a Side of Cheese: The Lurker

This film has a 63 percent Tomatometer Score and a 44 percent Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Fun Fact: This film was remade in 2020.

My Thoughts

As always, I dove through online reviews to see why some viewers do not enjoy this movie. Before I get into my findings, I want to touch on one vital aspect contributing to the low ratings. One of the biggest problems facing Castle Freak is that it has not been seen by enough people. The reviews and mentions are slim.

While there were fewer reviews than for other movies I have discussed here, there were enough to get an idea of the issues viewers find with the film. However, there also seemed to be more of a disconnect than usual. Generally, two or three topics repeat throughout most reviews, but there is more variety with this one. The one thing I did see noted several times was the feeling of the story moving too slowly.

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I am not a fan of slow burns. They lose my interest before it ever gets to the point. I do not see Castle Freak as a slow burn. It is a bit less intense than many horror movies but still decently paced.

Since I don’t have much to talk about from the reviews, here are a few reasons this movie is worth giving a chance. Firstly, the story is interesting. When I began thinking about writing this article, I intended to use the word “unique” to describe the plot, but the more I thought about it, the more I believed it was less unique and more an ode to some of the most incredible genre films. Taking the Lovecraftian inspiration out of the equation, there are elements of The Shining, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The People Under the Stairs. There are also smaller notes of other films.

The monster is surprisingly creepy. The overall look has a frightening feel to it; it is certainly not something you want to run into in the dark. Also, the other effects are shockingly good for a Full Moon film.

RELATED: Underrated Horror Movie of the Month: Daybreakers

While this one does not live up to the director’s other work, i.e., The Re-Animator, it is absolutely with a watch. If you are so inclined, Castle Freak is streaming on Tubi.

Have you seen this one? If so, what are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments! Until next time, horror fans, stay spooky and watch more horror movies. Before you go, take a look at the trailer below and then leave me a comment.

https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/todd-tucker-martin-astles-texas-chainsaw-massacre-interview/

Becca Stalnaker

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