Parasite (1982 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | Charles Band |
| Products | Science fiction horror film |
Parasite is a 1982 American science fiction horror film both produced and directed by Charles Band. The story unfolds in a bleak, post-apocalyptic America dominated by a criminal syndicate, focusing on the unintended liberation of a lethal parasite. Although the film received predominantly negative critiques for its weak script and unconvincing special effects, it marks the first significant role for actress Demi Moore.
Plot
In the aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe that reduces the world to destitution, the United States falls under the control of the Merchants, a criminal faction exploiting the shattered society. They force Dr. Paul Dean to engineer a parasite that consumes its host. Aware of its peril, Dean flees with the creature, inadvertently infecting himself.
While on the run, Dean examines the parasite as he avoids capture by Wolf, an enforcer for the Merchants. In a remote desert settlement, a gang led by Ricus steals the container holding the parasite without realizing its danger; it escapes and infects one gang member. Dean partners with Patricia Welles, a lemon farmer who consents to assist in eradicating the parasite. Ricus attempts to save his infected companion but confronts Wolf. After narrowly escaping Wolf’s pursuit, they discover the parasite has multiplied and transformed into a lethal worm. Ricus changes allegiance but is ultimately killed by Wolf. With help from Collins, a diner owner, and Patricia’s decisive action—electrocuting the parasite residing in Paul—the group manages to destroy the parasite and eliminate Wolf.
Cast
- Robert Glaudini as Dr. Paul Dean
- Demi Moore as Patricia Welles
- Luca Bercovici as Ricus
- James Davidson as Wolf, The Merchant
- Al Fann as Collins
- Cherie Currie as Dana
- Tom Villard as Zeke
- Vivian Blaine as Miss Daley
- Freddy Moore as Arn
- Cheryl Smith as Captive Girl
- Joanelle Romero as Bo
Production
Originally conceived as a remake of William Castle's The Tingler by Michael Shoob, Alan J. Adler, and Frank Levering, the project evolved into Parasite following collaborative discussions between Adler, Charles Band, and Robert Glaudini. A fortuitous encounter between Band and 3-D expert Randall Larson led to the decision to film in 3-D, aiming to boost its market appeal.
Home media
Parasite made its debut on CED in 1983 via Embassy Home Entertainment, accompanied by a VHS release from Wizard Video. A DVD version was issued on July 6, 1999, through Cult Video. Subsequently, Anchor Bay re-released it on August 6, 2002, and again on September 13, 2005—the latter included in a six-disc combo set. A 3D Blu-ray edition was launched in the United States by Kino Lorber on October 22, 2019.
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, Parasite holds a 15% approval rating based on 13 critiques with an average score of 3.3/10.
Variety characterized it as "sluggish between horror moments," appealing mostly to ardent horror aficionados. Likewise, Time Out dismissed the screenplay as "trite" and performances as "lackluster," deeming the visuals uninspiring. Janet Maslin of The New York Times described it as "more gruesome than frightening," criticizing its sparse and repetitive use of 3-D effects and labeling it an ineffectively acted B movie that fails to engage viewers.
J. Doyle Wallis from DVD Talk awarded it 2 out of 5 stars, suggesting it mainly attracts nostalgic fans of '80s horror or admirers of Demi Moore and Stan Winston’s work. Scott Weinberg at eFilmCritic rated it 1 out of 5 stars, calling it "astonishingly dull." TV Guide gave no stars, describing it as "[a] crushingly senseless disaster."
In 2019 during an interview on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Demi Moore referred to Parasite as "the worst movie [she had] ever been involved in."