PrimeWire

it’s easy to forget just how influential this film was at the time, especially the theme of sexuality as a major narrative point intrinsic to the development of the plot. instead of an excuse to unnecessarily and (usually) clumsily shoehorn a bit of cheap t&a into the proceedings, this film uses it as a major motivation for some of the main characters. even more noteworthy is the introduction of the concept of pain as pleasure, something desirable to be sought after that also serves as motive for some of the characters to drive the story. as an added bonus, it also lends itself to some of the best lines in a movie that is already teeming with memorable quotes.
at the end of the day a great horror movie that is still deservedly holding it’s spot right near the top of the list of the greatest horror films of all time…
PostScriptum: new news! not only is hulu doing a new movie described as “a small re-imagining” of the original novella & the 1st film, but HBO is working on a series that is scheduled to debut in 2022. fingers crossed, hopefully at least one of them will work out & bring some much-needed cenobitey goodness back into the fold….