Rabid (1977) #400

"Rabid" is a thrilling and an unexpected surprise from writer/director David Cronenberg. As Mr. Cronenberg's fourth feature film, "Rabid" crosses genres and themes seamlessly, giving the viewer brief glimpses of material that the director would delve deeper into in the coming years. Elements of sexuality, unique violence, and general WTF moments fill this film in some of the most entertaining ways. It could be said that this film laid the groundwork for such films as "28 Days Later" and "REC", films that wouldn't grace the silver screen for more than twenty years later.

I was bracing myself for some particular cheesy acting and visuals because the film was produced in the late 1970's but my fears were quickly abated once the action began, mere minutes after the credits finished rolling. I love this movie because it IS so unique; the reasons and the way that one person makes another "rabid" is clever and completely original. The fact that all of the victims, including the host, never had any recollection of the horror that they experienced until they feel the thirst for blood and further spread the disease themselves.

Rose is severely burned after she and her boyfriend have a terrible accident on their motorcycle. Rose is rushed to a nearby plastic surgery clinic where the lead doctor tends to her wounds, using unusual techniques that have an unexpected side effects. The transplants and skin grafts take, but Rose is left with an unconscious thirst for blood and a new appendage from to which to feed. Each victim that falls prey to Rose soon becomes infected with rabies like symptoms as well as a similar thirst for blood. As the search for Rose by her boyfriend continues, the city slowly falls into chaos as more and more people become "Rabid".

Favorite moment - When the doctor that treated Rose begins to suffer is rabid tendencies while in the middle of an operation.