Lifeforce (1985)

Lifeforce (1985) - International Cut

Dir. Tobe Hooper

Horror fans likely associate Tobe Hooper most with Texas and chainsaws, but sci-fi fans know him for naked space-vampires, too, which is Lifeforce (1985). It may not be universally hailed as a classic of the genre, but it sits comfortably on a list of cult films with practical effects that stand the test of time.

Based on a novel titled The Space Vampires (1976) by Colin Wilson, it's adapted to film by Dan O'Bannon. The first half is reminiscent of O'Bannon's work on another famous sci-fi film, namely Alien (1979), but, sadly, the second half loses focus and descends into a glorious mess. Your level of engagement at that time will greatly depend on whether or not you feel the 'glorious' things outshine the 'mess' things. I absolutely do feel that way.

The most memorable aspect for most folks will be Mathilda May. Credited merely as 'Space Girl', Mathilda is the closest thing the film has to a primary antagonist, as the folks trying to prevent her finishing her work race against time.

But the practical effects I mentioned previously are where it really excels. Ranging from overly fantastical to unnervingly creepy, they stand strong as a worthy testament to the people that put the hours in to make them the best they could be. I'd love to add more pictures to illustrate the point, but I feel it's better if they're experienced in context, while watching the film itself. It arguably gets a bit much in the last thirty minutes, but I applaud the enthusiasm even then.