BYLETH, THE DEMON OF INCEST: FORBIDDEN AFFECTION

I’d never heard of this film and as with so many others released by Severn I was truly interested to see what I would find. The title made me think this was going to turn out to be little more than another Eurotrash film but what I watched was more than that. Instead I found a solid thriller that was more enjoyable than I expected.

Gothic in tone and odd in horror, the film takes place in the late 19^th century in Italy. Young landowner Lionello Shandell (Marc Damon) is excitedly awaiting the arrival of his sister Barbara (Marie-Claude Perin). While knowing that being in love with his sister is a forbidden sin, Lionello still holds a sexual attraction for her and longs for her return.

When she finally arrives he is thrilled to see her once again. Subtle movements towards her show that his affections for her are more than brotherly but she avoids him during those moments. Eventually she reveals to him that while she was away she married and that her husband Giordano (Aldo Bufi Landi) will be arriving as well.

This leaves Lionello distraught and in the grips of jealousy, even though he knows she’s done nothing wrong. He sulks, hides out in various locations of the land they own and does little to make Giordano feel welcome. Giordano does his best to get along with his new brother-in-law but to no avail.

It isn’t long before strange things begin happening on the estate as well as the nearby towns. Murders begin to take place and we watch from the point of view of the killer as they take place. Could it be that Lionello’s rage has overtaken him and he’s responsible? Or is something else causing these deaths to occur?

The movie is well made with a stylish appearance to the entire production. In addition to that the performances here are all done with excellence as well losing nothing in translation. Add to that a story that is as intriguing as this one is and it makes for a fun night’s viewing. The pacing is a tad slow but can be forgiven while watching.

While the films is described as risqué in reality the sex and nudity on display are little more than what could be found on HBO or Cinemax late night viewing when they were prone to show their slightly altered late night porn films. Actually there is even less on display here than in those. And it’s all done in a tasteful manner in spite of the title of the film.

Severn has saved this film from obscurity offering it in a great restoration. Scanned in 2k from negative elements that were recently discovered in a Madrid lab vault they present it in as good a shape as can possibly be found. No extras are offered with this release but the odds are there were none to be found as rare as the film is. For that reason alone one has to give credit to Severn for taking on the task of releasing this film and saving it from disappearing altogether.

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