Happy Goat Horror

Alright, let me get this out of the way: What Have You Done to Solange? is a stone-cold classic, and if you’re not already watching it, you’re seriously missing out. While it might not be the first giallo that comes to mind when people talk about the genre, this film is a must-see for anyone who considers themselves a fan. It’s a work of undeniable brilliance—one that deserves far more attention than it gets. Let me tell you why.

First off, the story. It kicks off with a grisly murder at a girls’ school, a gruesome crime that sets the stage for a twisted tale of sex, secrets, and suspense. Our protagonist is a young, idealistic teacher named Enrico (played by the charming Fabio Testi), who’s having a secret affair with one of his students, the beautiful and mysterious Elizabeth (the lovely Camille Keaton). But the twists come thick and fast as Enrico gets dragged deeper into the investigation of a string of horrific murders, all linked by a cryptic question: What have you done to Solange?

And right off the bat, the film establishes its two major strengths: atmosphere and mystery. Director Massimo Dallamano (who worked as a cinematographer on Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy) expertly creates a world that feels both suffocating and dangerous. The setting—a well-to-do school for girls—should feel safe, but under Dallamano’s direction, it’s full of secrets, shadows, and a creeping sense of dread. Every hallway feels like it’s hiding something, every dark corner feels like a potential danger, and the tension just builds and builds until it’s practically unbearable.

But what really sets Solange apart from other gialli is its emotional weight. This isn’t just a whodunit with a body count. The film digs deep into its characters, exploring the darker, more sordid side of desire, guilt, and repressed emotions. It’s a film that’s as much about the psychological unraveling of its characters as it is about the bloody murders. Enrico is a deeply flawed protagonist, and watching his descent into madness as the film progresses is both heartbreaking and fascinating.

And let’s talk about that sleaze factor—because you know it’s there, but it’s handled in such a compelling way that it never feels gratuitous. The film revels in the perverse, the taboo, and the forbidden, but it’s never exploitative. Instead, it uses those elements to build a sense of unease and discomfort, to remind us that this is a world where anything could be hiding just beneath the surface. There’s a certain kind of elegance to the sleaze in Solange—it’s not about shock for the sake of shock, but about creating a world where the grotesque and the beautiful coexist in a way that feels entirely natural.

Of course, I can’t forget to mention the murders themselves. As with any great giallo, Solange has its fair share of blood and violence, but what’s particularly memorable here is how the killings are staged. Dallamano doesn’t shy away from the gruesome, but he also makes sure that each death serves the larger narrative. The brutality is part of the story, but it’s never just about spectacle—there’s meaning in every crime, and that’s what makes the film resonate long after the credits roll.

And let’s not forget the film’s haunting score by the legendary Ennio Morricone. I mean, come on—it’s Morricone! The man could turn a shopping list into a work of art, and his music here is no exception. The soundtrack is eerie, moody, and perfectly complements the film’s atmosphere, adding to its sense of impending doom. The music subtly heightens the emotional stakes, and it’s one of those scores that lingers with you long after you’ve seen the film.

Now, I’ll admit—What Have You Done to Solange? might not be as famous as some of the other big-name gialli, but that’s exactly why I’m giving it the attention it deserves. This is a movie that more people need to discover and appreciate. It’s one of those films that grows with each viewing, revealing more layers and nuances that you might have missed the first time. It’s a film that takes its time, builds its world slowly, and rewards the patient viewer with one of the most compelling, emotional, and twisted rides in the giallo genre.

In short: What Have You Done to Solange? is a gem, and if you love giallo, you owe it to yourself to watch it. It’s intelligent, it’s brutal, it’s beautiful, and it’s just so damn captivating. Dallamano crafted a film that is both haunting and hypnotic, a thriller that digs into your psyche and never quite lets go. Don’t let its lesser-known status fool you—this film absolutely belongs in the upper echelons of giallo greatness. If you haven’t seen it yet, stop what you’re doing and put it on your list. You won’t regret it.

Verdict: If you’re a giallo fan and What Have You Done to Solange? isn’t already on your radar, it’s time to change that. This film combines atmosphere, a strong central mystery, character depth, and a brilliantly eerie score into a package that’ll have you hooked from start to finish. It might not be the most talked-about giallo out there, but make no mistake—Solange deserves to be at the top of your list. Intelligent, thrilling, and oh-so-elegantly twisted, this is one of those films that demands repeat viewings. Trust me, once you’ve seen it, you’ll be hooked.