Review of The Asphyx

The Asphyx (1972)
6/10
Don't think about it too much.
25 October 2002
The concept sounded intriguing - the execution is inadequate.

First of all, it's too literal. It would perhaps be better if we couldn't see the "Asphyx" at all - and if we had to see it, it should have been a more "abstract" form, not a cheesy little creature.

Also, horror films usually work better when a character you can identify with gets into trouble. Here, all the characters are unlikable from the word "go".

And last of all, the film's plotting won't stand up to any kind of scrutiny. Can anyone explain how exactly one becomes "immortal" under any circumstances when his asphyx is captured? If, say, someone was to chop off your head, how could you possibly continue to live?

If you're interested in the consequences of immortality, there is a four-part horror anthology out there, called "From A Whisper To A Scream". Its second episode was about just that, and did a better job with it in 20 minutes than "The Asphyx" does in 90. (**)
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