A group of tenants and visitors are trapped in a 10-story high-rise apartment building infested with demons who proceed to hunt the dwindling humans down.
Given the dismal quality of the first installment, I watched “Demons 2” with low expectations. Perhaps, I thought, director Lamberto Bava had reflected on his mistakes and would redeem the series with this sequel. Sadly, my hopes were quickly dashed. Instead of improvement, I found myself plummeting into a cinematic abyss that managed to outdo the original in sheer awfulness.
The story, such as it is, unfolds in a high-rise apartment building. The residents are watching a movie about a group of teenagers who stumble into a part of town affected by the demonic outbreak from the first film. One character, Sally, becomes entranced by the movie – and a demon breaks the fourth wall, emerging from the TV to possess her. Chaos ensues as Sally attacks her friends, who in turn terrorize the rest of the building, transforming anyone in their path. A small band of survivors flees to the parking garage for a final showdown with the demonic forces.
The film’s incompetence is glaring. The setting is supposedly a residential high-rise, but exterior shots clearly show an office building. The “acting” is so atrocious that it makes the Muppets seem like Oscar contenders by comparison. The special effects appear to be recycled from the first movie, and the return of some actors from the original adds nothing. Asia Argento, daughter of Dario Argento, is squandered in a few brief appearances. Bava’s direction seems nonexistent – as if he simply pointed the camera at the actors and reveled in their flailing. The performances are nonsensical, and the plot is incoherent. I can’t award this travesty less than half a star, but I wish I could.
The new transfers of both films look great, but the movies themselves are a waste of time. If you want to experience true Italian horror mastery, seek out Dario Argento’s classic Giallo films: “Suspiria,” “The Cat o’ Nine Tails,” “Deep Red,” and my personal favorite, “Phenomena.” Those showcase a director at the height of his powers.
Available on 4K Ultra HD™ & Blu-ray™ August 13th
