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Suspiria

Suspiria

Movie · 1977 · 15 people

Dario Argento's 1977 film Suspiria is an Italian horror story built around the supernatural. He wrote it with Daria Nicolodi, his partner at the time, borrowing in part from Suspiria de Profundis, the essay Thomas De Quincey published in 1845. It is the first part of the trilogy Argento calls the Three Mothers, followed by Inferno (1980) and The Mother of Tears (2007), about three witches seeking to rule the world. It premiered in Italy on February 1, 1977 and reached Turkish cinemas only on September 29, 2017, exactly forty years later.

Jessica Harper plays Suzy Bannion, an American ballet student who transfers to a prestigious European dance academy in Germany. After a series of murders she realizes the school is a front for something sinister. The cast includes Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Miguel Bosé, Alida Valli, Udo Kier and Renato Scarpa; it was Joan Bennett's final film role.

Its vibrant color palette, stylised visuals and the score by Argento and the rock band Goblin made the film one of the genre's most influential. Bennett was nominated for a Saturn Award for best supporting actress in 1978, and the film for best classic DVD release in 2002. Luca Guadagnino directed a film of the same title in 2018.

DirectorDario Argento

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Udo Kier Udo Kier Actor · died at 81 Dr. Frank Mandel Renato Scarpa Renato Scarpa Actor · died at 82 Prof. Verdegast Jessica Harper Stefania Casini Flavio Bucci Miguel Bosé Alida Valli Barbara Magnolfi Joan Bennett Eva Axén Susanna Javicoli Franca Scagnetti Margherita Horowitz Fulvio Mingozzi Dario Argento

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Through different eyes

Cinephile Looks at script, editing and directing choices; keeps a distance from formula films.

Suspiria is one of those rare films that builds fear out of form more than story. The saturated colour palette, stylised images and the score by Argento and Goblin turn the setting itself into a menacing presence, which is exactly why it counts among the genre's most influential works. The same choice pushes the narrative into the background, though: characters serve functions more than they gain depth, and the plot leans on atmosphere rather than logic. For anyone expecting realistic psychological suspense that is a flaw; for those who treat form as the experience, it is the film's real strength. As the opening of the Three Mothers trilogy, it also makes clear why Argento wanted to expand this world.

Family Viewer Asks whether the whole household can watch it; cares about humour and heart.

This is a horror film, and murders are part of the story. Its colours and music build strong unease; it is not suitable for children and may be hard going for older relatives who aren't used to horror. Older teens who like the genre might be interested, but they should know what kind of film it is first. Not for a family evening; for adult horror fans.

Action & Thriller Fan Puts pace, tension and set pieces first; little patience for slow drama.

If you're used to the pace of modern horror, Suspiria may feel strange: the tension comes mostly from the place itself and its smothering atmosphere rather than sudden jolts. The story doesn't bother explaining everything, and the pace doesn't climb steadily. Viewers after fast, constant scares may get restless. But for the patient, it delivers a more lasting unease than many newer genre films.

These are not reader reviews: they are short editorial takes written from different viewer perspectives with AI assistance. Reader reviews are below.

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