Society (1989)

An ordinary teenage boy discovers his family is part of a gruesome orgy cult for the social elite.

Director:

Brian Yuzna

Writers:

Rick Fry, Woody Keith

Stars:

Billy Warlock, Concetta D'Agnese, Ben Slack

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Billy Warlock	...	Bill Whitney
Concetta D'Agnese	...	Nan (as Connie Danese)
Ben Slack	...	Dr. Cleveland
Evan Richards	...	Milo
Patrice Jennings	...	Jenny Whitney
Tim Bartell	...	David Blanchard
Charles Lucia	...	Jim Whitney
Heidi Kozak Haddad	...	Shauna (as Heidi Kozak)
Brian Bremer	...	Petrie
Ben Meyerson	...	Ferguson
Devin DeVasquez	...	Clarissa Carlyn
Maria Claire	...	Sally
Conan Yuzna	...	Jason
Jason Williams	...	Jason's Friend
Pamela Matheson	...	Mrs. Carlyn

Storyline

Bill is worried that he is 'different' to his sister and parents. They mix with other 'upper class' people while Bill is more down to earth. Even his girlfriend seems a bit odd. All is revealed when Bill returns home to find a party in full swing. Not for the weak of stomach.

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Plot Keywords:

body horror | secret society | teen sex | incest | surrealism | 

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Taglines:

In Beverly Hills, what you fear is only the beginning.

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Genres:

Comedy | Horror

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for bizarre sexuality and violence, and for language.

Did You Know?

Trivia

The scenes where Billy has therapy sessions with Dr. Cleveland weren't in the original script. They were added during production to help strengthen the narrative of the movie.

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Goofs

Reflected on the ground when Bill is talking to his sister after he and friend finish playing basketball

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Quotes

Dr. Cleveland: How do you feel about your family now, in light of all these recent victories?
Bill Whitney: My family?
Dr. Cleveland: Yes.
Bill Whitney: Uhm... nothing. I mean, I don't think about them, they don't think about me. We're just one big happy family... except for a little incest and psychosis.

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Alternate Versions

The UK version is uncut.

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Connections

Referenced in 31 Days of Horror: Society (1989) (2017)

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Soundtracks

If You Aint Got Money
Music & Lyrics by Mark Ryder & Phil Davies

User Reviews

Classic 80's horror!!!

I remember first seeing this film about the time it was released in the late 80's, and it immediately struck me as intensely disturbing. That's a good thing for a horror film because not too many really disturb me. It has become one of my favorite horror films, and the reason for this is that it has such an original story, memorable characters, and it doesn't care who it grosses out! From the few people who hated this movie, they're obviously weak-stomached or perhaps even members of "Society"???

If you can't stand bizarre horror movies in the vein of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Deranged, Hellraiser 1 and 2, Motel Hell, etc... then you probably will not enjoy this film...especially the last half hour. This is not for every audience and clearly doesn't pretend to be.

I've owned the video for years and recently also bought the Unrated DVD, i must say it is great finally having a very clear picture and sound...in it's uncut form! They just don't make many shockingly good horror flicks like this anymore...

Details

Country:

USA Japan

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 June 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Shunting

Filming Locations:

Birmingham High School - 17000 Hayes Street, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Wild Street Pictures, Society Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1