Movies

Deeply unsettling British horror that will “fry your nerves” gets new UK streaming home

BBG News

An iconic 1970s horror film dubbed “haunting” is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

In “Don’t Look Now,” starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, the story follows the grieving couple, John (Sutherland) and Laura Baxter (Christie), as they relocate to Venice after losing their child.

In this setting, while present, Laura encounters Hilary Mason (formerly known as Heather), who professes psychic abilities and suggests she can interact with their deceased daughter, Christine. Initially doubtful, John starts experiencing visions of a child who looks remarkably like Christine throughout the city.

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The movie, masterfully directed by Nicolas Roeg, has garnered widespread acclaim due to its haunting supernatural elements and deep examination of grief and the tragedy of child loss. Over time, it has evolved into a seminal work in the realm of British horror cinema.

Additionally, there was significant uproar upon its initial broadcast because it contained an explicit sexual scene involving Christie and Sutherland’s characters. This scene was edited out when the movie initially aired on television by the BBC.

The movie at present has a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, summarized as: “Don’t Look Now” gradually creates tension using eerie visuals and a spine-tingling soundtrack, making audiences empathize profoundly with Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie’s sorrow.

According to The Dissolve’s review, this movie is challenging to categorize because it combines elements of psychological drama with moments of chilling horror. However, the overall viewing experience leaves you feeling distinctly uneasy.

One review in Rolling Stone declared a specific scene as “overwhelming to the point of fraying your nerves,” whereas Chicago Reader characterized Don’t Look Now as an “unsettling and persistently creative horror tale.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the profoundly haunting and psychologically insightful thriller crafted by the brilliant British director, Nicolas Roeg. This film, a masterpiece in its own right, left me both awestruck and uneasy, standing out among his impressive body of work.

In the year 2015, the main actor, Sutherland, voiced his disapproval towards the proposed remake of Don’t Look Now, stating that it seemed more like an attempt to generate profits rather than a genuine artistic endeavor.

He advised Metro, “Avoid the embarrassment by not creating or taking part in it. It’s a waste of time.

Nicolas Roeg’s work was uniquely crafted in a manner that cannot be replicated. Attempting to remake it seems unnecessary. The motivation behind such actions is primarily financial gain, trying to capitalize on Nicolas Roeg’s brilliance, and tarnishing something truly beautiful. Such behavior is disgraceful; they should feel embarrassed for themselves.

Don’t Look Now is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

The latest edition of Digital Spy’s print issue, featuring Oasis – Live in ’25’, is now available! You can purchase it from your local newsstands or online for only £8.99.

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2025-07-10 14:49

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