Although it looks like a low-budget horror film, this 1972 feature is actually an ecological drama inspired by the British TV series of the same name. Doomwatch, an organization that keeps tabs on pollution and investigates ecological disasters, sends Dr. Del Shaw (Ian Bannen) to a remote British island to investigate the effects of an oil spill and the chemicals used in the clean-up. What he finds is an insular community hostile to outsiders, harboring a secret with a mix of shame and suspicion: the inhabitants of the island are mutating and becoming violent, and are sheltered from view by their families. What residents don't realize is they are suffering from a disease caused by illegally discarded chemicals mutated by radioactive waste in nearby waters. Directed by Hammer Films veteran Peter Sasdy, the film is more of a sci-fi drama (the disease is actually acromegaly, the real-life disorder that afflicted André the Giant and B-movie actor Rondo Hatton) that is presented with some horror flourishes (off-screen violence, monstrous figures in the shadows, the mysterious death of a misshapen man) until the truth is revealed in the final act. Although some of the science is dated, Doomwatch—which costars Judy Geeson and George Sanders—serves up an intelligent ecological message about the dangers of chemical dumping to the food chain (long before it became fashionable). Extras include audio commentary and an intro by Sasdy and an interview with Geeson. A minor but often interesting film, this is a strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)
Doomwatch
Kino Lorber, 92 min., PG, DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 Volume 32, Issue 2
Doomwatch
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: