Demons (40th Anniversary 4K Restoration)

Part of Dundead Film Festival 2025 - see the full programme and book a Festival Pass. 

Demons was released in 1985 and is an interesting result of the Italian horror crowd; co-written by Dario Argento, the film was directed by Lamberto Bava, son of Mario Bava, and the film features a score by Claudio Simonetti (of Goblin fame), whose scores for Suspiria and Deep Red had been such an important piece of solidifying the Italian horror style. 

Lamberto Bava’s Demons is perhaps closer to a Lucio Fulci film than one directed by his legendary father. The story really is perfect horror film set-up – a group of disparate strangers are all invited to a cinema for a screening of a mysterious film. As they settle down to watch the film, it quickly becomes clear that something isn’t right and soon they are battling a scourge of rampaging demons. 

This is 80s horror through-and-through, with exaggerated performances, satisfying practical effects and lurid lighting. Bava’s direction is assured and confident and the film’s 4K restoration is particularly immaculate. As well as Simonetti’s great score, the film also features heavy metal music throughout by the likes of Billy Idol, Mötley Crüe and Saxon to add to the (faintly ridiculous) feeling of 80s excess. 

Set almost entirely within the confines of the cinema, this is schlocky, gory fun, best enjoyed with an audience and will be the perfect end to our 2025 festival.