Demonia (1990)

A Canadian archaeological team in Sicily accidentally unleashes vengeful ghosts of five demonic nuns who were murdered 500 years earlier, and the ghosts now set out to kill the group and townspeople alike.

Director:

Lucio Fulci

Writers:

Piero Regnoli (screenplay) (as Pietro Regnoli), Lucio Fulci (screenplay)

Stars:

Brett Halsey, Meg Register, Lino Salemme

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brett Halsey	...	Professor Paul Evans
Meg Register	...	Liza Harris
Lino Salemme	...	Turi DeSimone
Christina Engelhardt	...	Susie
Pascal Druant	...	Kevin
Grady Clarkson	...	Sean (as Grady Thomas Clarkson)
Ettore Comi	...	John
Carla Cassola	...	Lilla the Medium
Michael Aronin	...	Lt. Andi (as Michael J. Aronin)
Al Cliver	...	Porter (as Al Clever)
Isabella Corradini	...	Nun
Paola Cozzo	...	Pregnant Nun
Bruna Rossi	...	Nun
Paola Calati	...	Nun
Antonio Melillo

Storyline

In southeast Sicily, a team of archaeologists investigate the ruins of a crypt where heretic nuns had been stoned and crucified by the village people in the 16th century. Soon strange things begin to happen, and Liza, one of the team members, starts to have surreal dreams about the nuns. Then the graphic violence begins, starting with a decapitation! The answers lie in the ancient crypt of the nuns.

---

Plot Keywords:

baby killed | unhappy ending | nun | sicily | violence | 

---

Taglines:

No Evil Deed Goes Undone!

---

Genres:

Horror | Mystery

---

Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

26 June 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

Liza

Filming Locations:

Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lanterna Editrice, A.M. Trading International S.r.l.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Telecolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When the butcher is entering the basement of the monastery, it looks like he is wearing a backpack or something underneath his jacket. Look at his back as he turns around a few times when he has walked down the stairs. Suddenly it's gone and not seen any more.

---

Alternate Versions

The version released by Shriek Show is the uncut/unrated version, containing all the gore and violence.

---

Connections

References Tenebrae (1982)

User Reviews

Strictly for Fulci-Fans

"Demonia" of 1990 is one of the last films by Italian Horror/Gore deity Lucio Fulci, and while it certainly ranges among the man's lesser achievements it is still a stylish little film that should be enjoyed by his fans. The film's main problem is that it is a bit of a mess, and that it truly pales in comparison to most of Fulci's other achievements, even becoming a bit boring in some parts (which is a very rare fault in a Fulci film). Yet the film is interesting in its Fulci-typical style and atmosphere and features several truly creepy moments as well as some spectacular gore-scenes. What also makes the film worth checking out is the fact that the master himself has a role - Fulci plays a police Inspector. The storyline is actually very promising Horror-material: In 15th century Sicily, a Covent of nuns who are suspected of conspiring with the devil are lynched by angry villagers. Five centuries later, Canadian archaeologists come to the area and are met with hostility by the superstitious locals. The locals fear that the strangers and their archaeological work might raise the demons of the past; and their worries are not entirely unfounded... Overall, the film has a promising premise but the execution is too messy. Yet it is recommendable to Fulci fans, as it does include many moments of pure creepiness. The master does show his talent for haunting atmosphere, and once again proves that his moniker "The Godfather of Gore" is justified. While "Demonia" should entertain many of my fellow Italian Horror buffs, it might make others roll their eyes. My advice to fellow Fulci-fans: check it out! Others, never mind.