Famously, the original of this was an allegory for communism (well, apparently), reds under the bed and all that, but since that notion was abandoned this remake becomes just a straight horror film and not very scary at that. It’s a bit creepy, but not disturbing in any way, which is what scares us most. Another film analysed with surgical skill! Kevin McCarthy – from the first version – is here briefly for a neat little crossover moment and it’s not that bad really with Donald Sutherland doing quite well. But if its shudders with Sutherland you’re looking for it’s not nearly as scary as Don’t Look Now, we’re saying.
