Happy Goat Horror

Alright, folks, if you’re a fan of giallo, The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave (1971) is a must-see. Directed by the legendary Riccardo Freda, this one’s a strange mix of horror, psychological thriller, and borderline sleaze—like a giallo cocktail that’s been shaken, stirred, and served with a twist. And not just any twist, mind you, but one that will have you questioning reality, motives, and what the hell you just watched.

The plot? Oh, it’s a doozy. A man named Alan (played by the wonderfully manic Anthony Steffen) is haunted by the death of his wife, Evelyn. The trouble is, her death was… messy, and his obsession with her doesn’t exactly seem healthy. In fact, it quickly turns into something much darker as he begins to have disturbing dreams of Evelyn returning from the grave. And then—surprise—she literally does. Or does she? We’ll never be sure, and that’s the fun of it. The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave plays with the boundaries of the supernatural and psychological horror, keeping us constantly on edge and unsure who’s real and who’s just another victim in a tale of madness.

Now, let’s talk about the atmosphere—because, folks, this film is a textbook example of how to create dread. With lush settings, strange lighting, and an almost dream-like quality to the visuals, Freda manages to keep you on your toes throughout. The haunted house? Check. The isolated countryside? Double-check. The eerie soundtrack? Oh yeah, it’s there, wrapping around your spine like a cold, greasy hand. You feel like you’re being led into a maze of secrets, with no clear way out.

But here’s the thing that really sets The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave apart from its giallo peers: it’s not just a murder mystery wrapped in stylish cinematography. No, this one leans into the sleaze factor with a level of unrepentant gusto. From the graphic violence to the naked bodies scattered across the screen like so many bloody sacrifices, this movie doesn’t exactly care about your comfort zone. It’s giallo at its most twisted—bold, lurid, and full of those “did I really just see that?” moments. It doesn’t shy away from its most depraved impulses, and that’s what makes it so deliciously offbeat.

The performances are another treat. Steffen, as the tormented Alan, is a perfect blend of madness and charm—imagine a guy who’s one part tragic, one part dangerous, and a whole lot of creepy. But the real fun comes from the supporting characters, who seem just as untrustworthy as the protagonist. Every character is a suspect, and as the plot takes us down twisty, gory roads, you’ll find yourself second-guessing every single move they make.

But let’s be real here—if you’re watching this movie, it’s because you’re in the mood for some old-school horror madness. And it delivers. The kills are shocking, the plot is full of twists and turns, and by the time the final act rolls around, you’ll be left with that satisfying giallo combination of confusion and excitement. Did Alan really kill his wife? Is Evelyn’s ghost out for revenge? What’s going on with the strange, alluring women who seem to be drawn to him? The answers are up to you to decide—though, let’s be honest, no matter what conclusion you come to, it’ll be one that leaves you with more questions than answers.

The Verdict: 4/5. It’s sleazy, it’s bloody, and it’s got that delicious giallo weirdness that makes you feel like you’re getting away with something naughty just by watching it. The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave may not be as polished as some of its peers, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a brutal, sexy, and twisted thrill ride through the mind of a man losing touch with reality, and if that sounds like your kind of thing, then this is a must-see.