Society

Society is a 1989 horror-comedy directed by Brian Yuzna and stars Billy Warlock, Concetta D'Agnese, and Ben Slack. The film follows the life of Billy Whitney (Warlock), a wealthy high school student who feels like an outsider in his own family.

Billy is plagued by nightmares that feature his family and the high society folks in Beverly Hills, who all seem to be hiding a dark secret. As Billy tries to uncover the truth about his family and his past, strange things start happening around him. He begins to notice that the people around him are not what they seem, and that they are all part of a bizarre society of people who are obsessed with physical perfection.

As the plot thickens, Billy learns that this society is not just about physical appearance, but also about a grotesque ritual that is performed to appease their sexual desires. They have been keeping their true selves hidden from the rest of the world, and when Billy uncovers the truth, he is faced with a difficult decision - whether to join the society or risk his life trying to expose them.

One of the most striking aspects of Society is its ability to mix grotesque horror with tongue-in-cheek humor. Despite the disturbing themes and imagery, the film manages to maintain a certain level of absurdity that prevents it from becoming too bleak. The special effects, by Screaming Mad George, are both impressive and disturbing, with the climax offering a truly surreal finale.

The acting in Society is solid throughout, with Billy Warlock delivering a nuanced and empathetic performance as the protagonist. There are also some notable supporting performances, including Concetta D'Agnese as Billy's love interest, and Ben Slack as Ferguson, a sleazy but charming antagonist.

One of the film's strengths is its themes. Society touches on issues of social class, conformity, and identity, with the wealthy residents of Beverly Hills acting as a metaphor for a society that values appearance over substance. This commentary adds an enriching layer to the film, elevating it beyond its B-movie roots.

Overall, Society is a unique and memorable addition to the horror genre, with its shocking imagery, black humor, and underlying social commentary. It is not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate a good mix of horror and humor, Society is a must-watch.