Terrore nello spazio (Planet of the Vampires) Review

This time we’re diving into a true “geek classic”: Mario Bava’s 1965 Italian science fiction-horror masterpiece Terrore nello spazio (Planet of the Vampires in English). Just because the title says “vampires”, don’t expect a classic bloodsucker; The movie hits from a completely different place. I will discuss this review more from the perspective of vampire literature. Because Bava brought the purest elements of gothic horror to the cold void of space, and while doing this, he put a lot of effort into the sets, decorations and costumes.

If you’re ready, let’s get started. First, let’s make this clear: The movie begins with two spaceships (Argos and Galliot) landing on an unknown planet. What they encounter there is a sci-fi version of classic vampire mythology. The slow takeover, usurpation of bodies and sucking of the soul in Bram Stoker’s Dracula appears here as an alien parasite. But this is Bava’s genius: Instead of sucking blood, they steal the “life energy” and the body.

Just like the seductive, sneaking vampire in Carmilla… except there is no seduction here, there is direct fear and isolation. It prompts the audience to ask “what if I will be one of them?” It perfectly captures the classic vampire literature anxiety that makes you think, in the closed environment of the spaceship. What is the basic theme of vampire literature? The desire for immortality and the betrayal of the body.

Dracula is immortal, but he escapes from the sun, is not reflected in the mirror, and cannot enter without being invited. It’s the same thing in Planet of the Vampires: Creatures resurrect and use dead bodies, becoming “immortal” beings, but this means the end of humanity. Here, Bava has hidden the eerie, shadow-like presence of Nosferatu in the space fog. Moreover, in 1965! It’s not for nothing that Alien (1979) is one of the sources of inspiration; Ridley Scott obviously loved this “body mugging” idea.

But Bava’s version is more gothic, more literary. The vampire is not a hunter of blood here, but a hunter of souls and bodies. Now let’s come to our main source of pride: Sets, decorations and costumes. Friends, it is rare to find work with this much effort on a low budget. Bava is literally a magician. The ruins of the planet glowing in misty, purple-blue tones, ancient stone columns, misty light plays… All of them were shot in the studio, but while watching it, it gives the feeling of “this was really shot in space”.

The decorations are so detailed that there is a mystery in every corner; those strange symbols on the walls, the atmosphere created by fog machines, the gothic lighting made with colorful generator lights… It’s a scene from vampire literature, but in space! Costumes are another story. The astronauts’ shiny, metallic, body-hugging uniforms were both futuristic and incredibly stylish for the time. But the real bombshells are the appearance of the “captured” crew: Pale faces, dark eye sockets, slightly glowing eyes… A sci-fi adaptation of classic vampire make-up.

Without exaggeration, a lot of effort has been put into it. Every costume, every piece of decor screams “we took this movie seriously.” Bava’s famous philosophy of “more work for less money” reached its peak here. While watching, I thought “Wow, how did they do this in 1965?” You will be amazed. The directing aspect suits Bava perfectly: slow tempo, long shots, camera movements that increase the tension drop by drop.

Not to mention the music and sound design; That howling wind and electronic sounds carry the feeling of “footsteps heard in the silence of the night” in vampire literature to the void of space. Conclusion: Terrore nello spazio is not just a science fiction movie; The rebirth of vampire literature in space. He created a gothic atmosphere by blending classic horror elements (body mugging, immortality, isolation) with science fiction.

The effort spent on sets, decorations and costumes is simply magnificent. Creating such an impressive world with a low budget really requires mastery. If you are a frpnet reader who loves vampire mythology, classic sci-fi-horror, and appreciates the concept of “doing more with less”… definitely watch it. Even though it was made in 1965, it still looks fresh. Bava has shown once again that the story and atmosphere are stronger than paid effects.

I am waiting for your opinions in the comments. See you in the next review!