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Poster for Messiah of Evil

Messiah of Evil

Seen it?

1975 | 90 min | Horror, Mystery

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and horror fans. If you loved Grindhouse, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Scary.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 30 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Made in 1975: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A young woman searching for her missing artist father finds herself in the strange seaside town of Point Dune, which seems to be under the influence of a mysterious undead cult.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.2 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 87K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Willard Huyck

  • Marianna HillArletty Lang
  • Michael GreerThom
  • Joy BangToni
  • Anitra FordLaura
  • Royal DanoJoseph Lang
  • Elisha Cook Jr.Charlie
  • Charles DierkopGas Attendant
  • Bennie RobinsonAlbino Trucker
  • Morgan FisherTownsperson
  • Emma TruckmanTownsperson