This low-budget, 1956 spine-tingler, adapted from the novel by Jack Finney, is considered a sci-fi masterpiece.
In the small American town of Santa Mira, the initially sceptical local shrink Dr Binnell (Kevin McCarthy) gradually becomes concerned by increasing visits from townsfolk complaining that their nearest and dearest are simply not themselves. Moreover, that they are in fact imposters. As a sense of paranoia gradually spreads, Binnell's investigations reveal that the complaints are not mere delusion and that the previously peaceful town is in fact being taken over by an alien force, doppelgangers who resemble their earthly counterparts in almost every way, save for a lack of human emotion. (BBC)
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Wonderfully performed and imbued with a genuine sense of trepidation and unease, the film was remade to decent effect by Philip Kaufman (original director Don Siegel had a small cameo role) in 1978, and by Abel Ferrara in 1993, proving the inherent longevity in a tale about the loss of individuality. Incidentally, the original features Sam Peckinpah in a blink-and-you'll-miss-him role. Provocative fare.
Full reviewInvasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) is available to stream in New Zealand now on Google Play and Apple TV.
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