Mutant (1984) Review

 

Not to be confused with Forbidden World (1982) also know as Mutant in some countries. Mutant also known as Night Showdow (which probably reflects the film better) isn't always a smooth ride-it's uneven in pacing, logic, and performances-but for fans of low-budget '80s horror, it delivers enough chilling moments, weirdness, and mutations to earn a midnight-movie watch. Sadly the original poster artwork with fangs, or the one with alternate wisps of obscurity didn’t really help market the film either, going for Alien vibe when it possibly should have leaned more to a Dead and Buried or Dawn of the Dead appeal. It boasts '80s B-movie charm-reckless abandon, schlock, and earnest effort-set in a small Southern town with a chemical plant, panicked locals, and confusion that sometimes works, other times feels like stretched cheap thrills.

Directed by John "Bud" Cardos and Mark Rosman, the film builds tension slowly, creating a creeping dread. The mutant/zombie effects hit harder thanks to the buildup, with makeup and transformations offering unpleasant, visceral qualities-especially the afflicted victims turning grey-skinned and black-eyed. These stand out more than the rest.

Wings Hauser anchors the film as the everyman in chaos, Bo Hopkins brings rugged gravitas as the sheriff, and Jody Medford's Holly provides a sympathetic figure. These performances help keep frustration at bay. Incidentally Both Hauser and Hopkins would also star in Nightmare at Noon (1988), which as a similar has plot.

Amongst the stunts, including flipping cars, there's a memorable but brief setup where a woman and child are attacked by hordes of the infected in a restroom, using the stalls for safety. The film works best especially in the last act when borrowing from the likes of Night of the Living Dead and Messiah of Evil,

Richard Band's music adds atmosphere, though it lacks a memorable hook like his other works.

Mutant isn't high art-it's flawed, messy, and exasperating at times. But for horror buffs who dig '80s creature or zombie-style flicks without needing airtight logic, it offers disturbing imagery, creeping transformations, and some solid set pieces. It shines in flesh, fear, and decay, but falters when aiming higher.