The Sect

This third film by Italian horror maestro Dario Argento's most gifted acolyte (Soave previously directed Stagefright and The Church) establishes him as a horror stylist in his own right. Relying more on suspense and scares than graphic gore, it's an atmospheric chiller about a young German schoolteacher (Curtis) who becomes involved with the Manson-like devil-worshipping sect headed by Lom. The Alice in Wonderland references, subterranean secrets, and general dreamlike ambience echo Argento's Inferno; but the stylish visuals and bravura set pieces achieve a subtle terror that is all Soave's own.