Sometimes Aunt Martha Does Dreadful Things is a 1971 thriller film that explores the dangerous world of two men, Stanley and Paul, who are on the run from the police. The film is directed by Thomas Casey and stars Abe Zwick, Wayne Crawford, and Don Craig. Stanley and Paul, a gay couple, flee to Miami from New York after stealing $10,000 from their boss. They change their identities and pose as Martha and Uncle George. Martha is an elderly woman, and Uncle George is her nephew. They plan to lay low and enjoy their new life, but things start to spiral out of control when Paul falls in love with a local girl named Sue, and Stanley starts to unravel.
Martha is a peculiar person, and her presence creates a sense of unease in the film. Her relationship with Stanley and Paul is unorthodox, and she seems to be aware of their secrets. Her character is written in a way that leaves the audience guessing her motives and intentions, making her a captivating and mysterious figure.
Wayne Crawford and Abe Zwick deliver strong performances as Stanley and Paul. They manage to portray a certain innocence in their characters' early interactions, which makes their descent into chaos all the more compelling. Stanley's character in particular is well-written and fleshed out, as we see him struggle with his debt, his love for Paul, and his spiraling mental state.
The film has a gritty and raw quality that feels authentic to the era it was made. The cinematography is unpolished, and the lighting is often dim, adding to the film's dark and ominous tone. The film's setting in Miami provides a colorful and vibrant backdrop to the intense and suspenseful story.
One of the film's notable aspects is how it portrays homosexuality. It is rare to see a film from the early 70s that depicts homosexuality positively. The two lead characters are in a loving relationship, and their sexuality is not used for comedic relief or shock value. Instead, it is portrayed as a natural aspect of their relationship.
The film has elements of thriller, drama, and dark comedy. It is a tense and gripping film that keeps the audience engaged until the very end. The film's ending is unexpected and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.
Overall, Sometimes Aunt Martha Does Dreadful Things is a captivating and atmospheric thriller that is worth watching. The film explores themes of identity, deception, and mental health, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining watch for fans of the genre.
Sometimes Aunt Martha Does Dreadful Things is a 1971 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.
