Dan Curtis’ Trilogy of Terror: Chapter “Amelia” (Dan Curtis, 1975)
Trilogy of Terror is a television anthology film, a cult classic among horror genre enthusiasts. In Italy, it aired on RAI as part of the Sette storie per non dormire series in 1978. The three episodes are based on stories written by Richard Matheson, but only the third was directly adapted by the writer. The protagonist of the entire project is actress Karen Black, who portrays four roles in this film. Today, we focus on the episode of Amelia.
The character of Amelia, masterfully portrayed by Karen Black, will be a true tour de force for the actress, who manages to convey a range of emotions and fears in an impressive manner.
The plot:
The story mainly unfolds inside an apartment. Here, Amelia, after purchasing an ancient Zuni fetish doll, discovers that the object is cursed and contains an evil spirit. The doll comes to life and begins tormenting her, literally trapping her inside her apartment.
What makes “Amelia” so terrifying is Dan Curtis’ ability to create constant tension and a sense of imminent threat. The direction and use of the soundtrack contribute to creating an atmosphere of terror and suspense. Karen Black is extraordinary in the role of Amelia, conveying her fear and desperation so convincingly that the audience feels as if they are right there with her in her struggle for survival.
One of the most unsettling aspects of this chapter is that the Zuni fetish doll does not speak, but only emits guttural and incomprehensible sounds. This increases the sense of threat and makes the situation even more distressing for Amelia, who must try to figure out how to defeat the evil spirit without being able to communicate with it verbally.
Additionally, the ending deserves emphasis: surprising, disturbing, and unexpected.
In conclusion, “Amelia” is an unforgettable chapter of Dan Curtis’ “Trilogy of Terror.” The combination of a gripping plot, impeccable direction, and an extraordinary performance by Karen Black makes this film a classic of the horror genre. If you love thrills and adrenaline, I highly recommend checking out this terror masterpiece.
