A bit like Rosemary’s Baby on Viagra – well, not really. . . there’s no way this quickie production could afford anything other than no name brand, 1978’s Satan’s Blood (original Spanish title, Escalofrío), written and directed by Carlos Puerto (uncredited direction comes from producer and horror auteur Juan Piquer Simón), brings horror sexploitation all the way to a bloody climax.
It’s also a wonderful guide in what not to do in a horror movie:
1) It’s best not to follow people claiming to know you when you truly have no clue who they are. . . specifically when leading you two hours away from the nearest main road.
2) If by some chance you do reach this point, turn around if the location is a walled manor house with a front gate manned by a behemoth wearing a poncho that would make Clint Eastwood run.
3) It’s never a good sign when the decorative scheme features black candles (already lit), a ouija board end table, creepy ass doll, human looking skull, and other such warning signs.
4) The overly inviting couple want to separate you from your bark-happy dog immediately.
5) Your hosts eat with their faces flat on the table – head munching directly from the bowl – how rude!
6) Enjoy pleasant wine and cheese conversation topics, such as: attempted suicide and how you’re a loser if you’ve failed, previous affairs, or a deep passion for Satan.
7) Though you might not want to drink the wine. . . especially if it has a bit of an iron-y taste. The cheese might be okay, though.
8) Invite you to stay the night – after all, it is late. . . and they have not yet convinced you to disrobe along with them for some sort of devilish orgy.
9)If you’ve reached the point where they’ve used their mesmeric hypno powers, it might just be too late for you.
10) For good measure, beware of circular patterns.
And all of this is without mentioning the perverted, would-be rapist roaming the grounds. Alas, poor Andrés (José María Guillén) and Ana (Mariana Karr) are going to have quite the ‘long’ weekend. . . though you can’t say Bruno (Ángel Aranda) and Berta (Sandra Alberti) aren’t doting hosts. At least they want you shaken and stirred before they push forward with their unknown and likely unholy plans. Of course, all of this could simply be a swinging misunderstanding – after all, they say a little fright can be a great aphrodisiac.
A playful fusion of satanic witchcraft (in what clearly feels inspired by the wicked controlling aspects found in the above mentioned Rosemary’s Baby), a bizarre zombie-like twist, and some sultry sensuality (though give them credit for equal opportunity nudity – as there is both some female and male frontal flashes), Puerto goes for slow burning tension and intoxicating allure. Nothing unfolds quickly, mystery and tension creeps around every corner (or into a dream sequence), the young married couple slowly realizing that they should be getting out of there. . . yet, it won’t be that easy, as their dog is now missing, car just won’t start, and guests devolve – becoming rather needy. You could almost say that Puerto is ‘stripteasing’ the viewer – reveling in his slow release of tension and titillation.
With some unique touches, it goes for a realistic angle right off the bat, with a cold opening that introduces us to real life psychiatrist and journalist Fernando Jiménez del Oso, a man specializing in parapsychology who explains the realities of this subject matter. It is then followed by another cold opening of a satanic ritual (that does not tie into the main storyline whatsoever) – both were simply added to get the runtime up to eighty-two minutes.
With some intriguing concepts, a few nice twists, and a completely nailed it finale, Satan’s Blood is edgy, engrossing, and engaging. Using its location to great effect, there is plenty of shadowy cinematography, suspenseful breadcrumbs (a freezer that won’t open, photos that are just a bit off. . .), and steamy sex – making for a unique mix. A final note – clearly filmed during the Star Wars craze, there is a short street-side shot showing a theatre that is playing the now iconic film. . . a really cool piece of cinematic history caught on camera. So, ignore all my above warnings and fall into the trap of this Spanish experience, it’s oddly moving.
This film can be watched in Spanish with English subtitles or in dubbed English