I watched Shivers and I really liked it! 4/5
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David Cronenberg’s Shivers (1975) is a film that feels like a creeping infection itself—slowly seeping under your skin, festering with the kind of uncomfortable dread that Cronenberg has since become infamous for. This was the director’s first feature-length foray into what would later be termed “body horror,” and it’s clear that Shivers laid the foundation for his disturbing obsession with bodily transformation, contagion, and the dark side of human desire. It’s a horror film that’s both timely and unsettlingly timeless, earning it a solid 4 out of 5 stars in my book.
Set in a sterile, isolated high-rise apartment complex in Montreal, Shivers follows the outbreak of a parasitic infection that causes its hosts to act out their basest and most violent urges. The parasite spreads through sexual contact, turning residents into a hive of ravenous, impulsive fiends. As the infection makes its way through the building, all semblances of societal order and personal restraint quickly disintegrate, resulting in a free-for-all of sexual chaos and violence. At its core, Shivers is a nightmare of both social and bodily breakdown, turning human beings into uncontrollable, animalistic creatures of impulse.
What makes Shivers so effective is how Cronenberg keeps the audience guessing about its moral and social stance. At times, the film seems to condemn the characters’ primal indulgences, yet it also seems fascinated by the liberation these parasites represent. The infection isn’t a mere monster—it’s a force that removes inhibitions and strips away the thin veneer of civilization. Cronenberg appears less interested in delivering a straightforward cautionary tale and more invested in the provocative questions this kind of horror raises. Does freedom from restraint lead to true liberation, or is it simply another form of enslavement?
Visually, Shivers is rough around the edges, but that actually works to its advantage. The grungy, low-budget aesthetic gives the film a kind of grimy authenticity that makes the events unfolding on screen feel far more tangible and uncomfortable. The apartment complex, with its cold, concrete corridors and sterile decor, serves as the perfect breeding ground for Cronenberg’s twisted vision. The setting itself feels claustrophobic, like a tomb where society’s darkest desires are buried and waiting to be unearthed. As the infection spreads, the environment becomes more oppressive, amplifying the sense of inevitable collapse.
The practical effects in Shivers are another standout, especially considering the film’s budget limitations. The parasites, resembling slimy, phallic creatures, are undeniably unsettling and evoke an instinctual disgust. Cronenberg is well aware of the shock value these visuals bring, but he never allows the grotesque to overshadow the thematic depth. The horror in Shivers doesn’t come from jump scares or over-the-top gore, but rather from the chilling realization that these parasitic urges are already lurking inside each character—only waiting to be set free.
Shivers does stumble in a few places, and some of its weaknesses come from its age and limited resources. The acting, while serviceable, sometimes lacks the nuance to fully sell the psychological horror unfolding on screen. Certain performances feel stilted or exaggerated, which occasionally undercuts the film’s more intense moments. Additionally, the pacing is a bit uneven; while the slow build in the first half does a great job of establishing tension, the climax feels rushed, almost as if Cronenberg was eager to reach his point and wrap things up.
Despite these flaws, Shivers remains a landmark in horror cinema. It’s a film that challenges viewers not just to be scared, but to think—to question the nature of desire, freedom, and society itself. Cronenberg’s fascination with the body and the mind’s darkest recesses shines through, making Shivers both an unsettling thriller and an intellectually provocative work. It’s a film that stays with you, lingering like a disease you can’t quite shake.
For fans of Cronenberg’s later work, Shivers is essential viewing, offering a glimpse into the themes and obsessions that would define his career. It’s raw, unrefined, and not for the faint of heart, but there’s no denying its influence on horror as a genre. Shivers crawls under your skin, and for better or worse, it sticks with you—a disturbing yet strangely compelling reminder of the darkness that lies just beneath the surface.