Shivers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A high-rise apartment becomes a singles resort when penis-shaped parasites turn everyone into sex-crazed zombies with questionable fashion sense, so basically spring break gone wrong.

🍿 Shivers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Outbreak at Starliner Towers

Dr. Emil Hobbes, a scientist residing in the Starliner Towers apartment complex outside Montreal, conducts experiments involving genetically engineered parasites. His goal is to create a “combination of aphrodisiac and venereal disease” to liberate humanity from rational thought and societal constraints. He tests his creation on Annabelle, a young woman, with deadly results.

Parasitic Contagion

Following Annabelle’s death, the parasites begin to spread throughout the Starliner Towers, infecting residents and transforming them into sexually aggressive and violent individuals. A resident doctor, Roger St. Luc, investigates the outbreak, uncovering Hobbes’s disturbing research. He tries to contain the contagion, but the parasites prove difficult to control.

Descent into Chaos

As the infection spreads, the Starliner Towers descends into chaos. Residents engage in unrestrained sexual acts and violent attacks. Dr. St. Luc and Nurse Forsythe attempt to escape the building, but their efforts are thwarted by the growing number of infected individuals. The film depicts the rapid societal breakdown within the isolated community.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Roger St. Luc (Paul Hampton): The resident doctor of the Starliner apartment complex who investigates the outbreak and struggles to survive.
• Nurse Forsythe (Lynn Lowry): A nurse at the Starliner complex who becomes entangled in the parasitic outbreak and its consequences.
• Rollo Linsky (Joe Silver): A colleague of the deceased Dr. Hobbes, who provides information about the parasite and its origins before succumbing to it.
• Nicholas Tudor (Allan Kolman): One of the first residents to be infected by the parasite, leading to a gruesome transformation.
• Janine Tudor (Susan Petrie): The neglected wife of Nicholas Tudor, who seeks help for her husband’s strange illness only to become a victim herself.
• Betts (Barbara Steele): A friend of Janine who provides a sympathetic ear but harbors her own desires and becomes infected.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Linsky: “Man is an animal that thinks too much.” – Explaining Dr. Hobbes’ philosophy on why he created the parasite.
• Nurse Forsythe: “Everything is erotic. Disease is the love of two alien kinds of creatures for each other. Even dying is an act of eroticism.” – Describing a disturbing dream, foreshadowing the film’s themes.

💰Box Office

• Budget: CA$185,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Shivers Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I just watched Shivers and, wow, it’s definitely a Cronenberg film! It’s so gross and weird, but in a way that I couldn’t look away. The bathtub scene with Barbara Steele? Nightmare fuel! Honestly, the whole concept of the parasites is just disturbing. I can’t say I loved it, but I definitely won’t forget it anytime soon. Maybe watch it with a friend…or a therapist, haha.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of David Cronenberg’s early work”
  • “Viewers interested in body horror films”
  • “Those who appreciate low-budget cult classics”
  • “Fans of 1970s horror cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual content and nudity”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Themes of sexual assault”

Professional Reviews

• HorrorNews.net: “Cronenberg’s early work showcases his talent for body horror. The film delivers on its promise of sleaze and shivers, creating an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. A must-see for fans of the genre.
• Screencrush: “Shivers is a low-budget affair, but it compensates with disturbing imagery and a sense of dread. It lacks some of the polish of Cronenberg’s later works but offers a glimpse into his unique vision. Worth watching for fans of early body horror.
• Letterboxd: “This is early Cronenberg at his most raw and transgressive. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but it’s also brimming with ideas and a willingness to push boundaries. While it might not be for everyone, it’s a fascinating look at the director’s evolution.

Audience Reactions

Disturbing atmosphere and practical effects make it stand out.: Fans appreciate the film’s originality, body horror elements, and Cronenberg’s signature style.

Barbara Steele’s performance is chilling and memorable.: Many viewers praise Steele’s contribution and the film’s ability to shock, even decades later.

Overall Consensus: Shivers is a divisive film, praised for its originality and body horror, but criticized for its low budget and graphic content. It remains a significant work in Cronenberg’s filmography.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “David Cronenberg has expressed dissatisfaction with the appearance of the parasites, lamenting the lack of CGI to improve their look or erase the wires.”
• “The film was shot on a low budget of around CA$185,000, which limited the special effects and production design.”
• “David Cronenberg appears as a writer in the movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Shivers?

Shivers is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can often be found through online retailers. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Shivers, you might like these similar films:

• Rabid (1977): Another early Cronenberg film exploring body horror and societal breakdown due to a medical experiment gone wrong.
• Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978): Thematic similarity in the loss of individuality and the spread of a transforming entity throughout a community.
• Night of the Living Dead (1968): Era-specific alternative with a similar theme of societal collapse and uncontrollable horror spreading rapidly. ‘Shivers’ is considered a variation on the zombie theme.
• Contracted (2013): Modern equivalent exploring sexually transmitted body horror with a focus on visceral transformation and loss of control.

🛒 Shivers Related Products

• Shivers [Blu-ray]: High-definition restoration of David Cronenberg’s early horror classic, featuring bonus content and interviews. Perfect for collectors and fans of the genre.
• David Cronenberg: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): A collection of in-depth interviews exploring Cronenberg’s career, themes, and filmmaking process. Essential for understanding his unique vision.
• They Came From Within – Shivers Fan T-Shirt: Show your love for Cronenberg’s classic with this stylish tee. High-quality print and comfortable fit. Available in various sizes.
• Existenz [Blu-ray]: Dive into another David Cronenberg masterpiece and explore the dark corners of science and technology, a thrilling blend of mystery and suspense.

🎧 Soundtrack

Shivers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rooms in a Museum” – performed by Eugene Cines

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hungry for love – Shivers (1975)

Want a quick, disturbing glimpse into Cronenberg’s early body horror? This short clip perfectly captures the film’s weirdness and will definitely leave you feeling uneasy… in a good way!

✨ Rate