Those expecting another VAMPYRES from director Jose Ramon Larraz are in for a huge disappointment with BLACK CANDLES, as it's a big step-down from that atmospheric masterpiece. Instead, here we are treated to a poorly-lit, cheaply-made sex film masquerading as a full blooded horror. Much of the film's running time consists of ugly actors and actresses heaving over one another which doesn't make for very pleasant viewing. In fact it's downright disgusting. The Spanish actresses here look about ten years too old to be engaging in these kind of kinky activities and the men are all sleazy, hairy types; enough to give you nightmares! Once again the film is set in England, but this time little use is made of the picturesque British countryside. Most of the action takes place in what looks like the same room being refitted over and over again.
The other typical attributes of a Spanish horror film are here too and help to conspire against it. The dubbing is poor and the editing appears to have done without much consideration, or, indeed, attention. The lack of acting skill is appalling, with the whole cast never rising above the level of amateurs. There isn't really much of a plot either, and things drag incredibly in the film's middle. It's just one pointless sex scene after another. A rushed climax ends in yet more ritualised sex, and then a silly twist ending which is probably about the most horrifying part of the entire film!
The horror elements come from a silly 'devil worship' plot element thrown in with all the sex, and there's a lot of mumbo-jumbo to be waded through. One incredibly nasty scene involving a sword is sure to leave a nasty impression on the viewer. As this was the UK 18-rated version I saw, a lot of the more explicit perverse aspects have been (perhaps thankfully?) shorn out, including candle-sex and even some fornication involving a black goat. Aside from this controversial side to the film, there is absolutely nothing to redeem it. It's not scary, it's not sexy and it's definitely not worth bothering with - unless you happen to be a devil worshipper yourself...
The other typical attributes of a Spanish horror film are here too and help to conspire against it. The dubbing is poor and the editing appears to have done without much consideration, or, indeed, attention. The lack of acting skill is appalling, with the whole cast never rising above the level of amateurs. There isn't really much of a plot either, and things drag incredibly in the film's middle. It's just one pointless sex scene after another. A rushed climax ends in yet more ritualised sex, and then a silly twist ending which is probably about the most horrifying part of the entire film!
The horror elements come from a silly 'devil worship' plot element thrown in with all the sex, and there's a lot of mumbo-jumbo to be waded through. One incredibly nasty scene involving a sword is sure to leave a nasty impression on the viewer. As this was the UK 18-rated version I saw, a lot of the more explicit perverse aspects have been (perhaps thankfully?) shorn out, including candle-sex and even some fornication involving a black goat. Aside from this controversial side to the film, there is absolutely nothing to redeem it. It's not scary, it's not sexy and it's definitely not worth bothering with - unless you happen to be a devil worshipper yourself...