Les Démoniaques

Les Démoniaques: A gang of pirates sexually violated the two sole survivors of a ship wreck. The victimized girls are rescued by the strange inhabitants of a supposedly haunted island, where they are granted supernatural powers to strike revenge against the pirates.

Introduction

Its been a while since I reviewed a film from the 1970s, the last was “Don’t Look Now (1973)“. This was very different from it, though how it was shot reminded me of it. Les Démoniaques is directed by Jean Rollin, probably on my top 5 among his works. Fair warning though, there are many full nudity scenes and acts.

“A gang of pirates sexually violates the two sole survivors of a ship wreck. The victimized girls are rescued by the strange inhabitants of a supposedly haunted island, where they are granted supernatural powers to strike revenge against the pirates.”

Erotic Theme

Its mostly focused on the sexual violence, and most of it had purpose, story-wise, but some of it, specially the bar scenes felt like erotic fillers just to entice the male audience and give it more punch. But having said that, Jean Rollin is a master of erotic horror, thus making these kinds of elements a norm in his work.

Straighforward Plot

The plot itself was straightforward about s3xual violence and revenge. Much like “I Spit on Your Grave”. At first you’d think that its shallow and that someone’s just fulfilling their fetishes. But the story was properly told.

Proper Music and Effects

The music and effects however was bad. Though I have no idea if this was properly funded or otherwise. The music was repetitive, I think there were only 5 tracks that plays on specific locations. The effects was… sometimes is not even there. The punches, slaps, breaking of glass, it lacked those hence it also lacked in the delivery of certain scenes.

The acting though, you have to look past it should you want to give this classic a chance.

Final Thoughts

It was a good watch and definitely recommending it if you’re into old (erotic) films. It makes you realize how far acting, effects, and storytelling have come. Les Démoniaques is about sexual violence, pleasure, greed, loss, death and revenge, yet it tells the story of how everything comes around.