The Sect (1991) (aka The Devil's Daughter) ***1/2

It's a shame that Michele Soavi hasn’t made more horror films. He made a few very good ones in the late 1980s to early 1990s. Dario Argento’s stamp is all over The Sect (1991) (he co-wrote and produced it, and some of the shots are similar to his style), but it's also reminiscent of Guillermo del Toro’s early work and steeped in a Wonderland-like sensibility. The film is chock full of surreal, oneiric imagery, atmospheric sets, and squirm-inducing makeup effects (all never looking better than on Severin Films’ recent 4K UHD). Kelly Curtis (Jamie Lee's sister) is an engaging lead and Herbert Lom is great in one of his last feature film roles. 

Recommended for fans of Rosemary’s Baby (1968) (review), The Wicker Man  (1973) (review), Phenomena (1985) (review), and Cronos (1993).

Michele Soavi Feature Films Ranked