Malabimba - The Malicious Whore (1979)

Studio: Severin

Theatrical Release: September 22, 1979 (Italy)

DVD Release: September 25, 2007

Director: Andrea Bianchi

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Review by James Klein

For fans of The Exorcist rip-offs and European sleaze films, oh boy, do I have something for you. This Italian sex shocker from the man who brought you Burial Ground and Strip Nude For Your Killer is one film you need to really seek out, due to the fact that the now out of print X rated version of Malabimba is hard to find. I would say the DVD is worth every penny though as this is one naughty little film. Don't watch this one with your parents, kiddies!

Malabimba starts off at an Italian mansion where a family is performing a séance so that they can summon the now deceased wife/mother of the family. However, things go wrong and an evil spirit is conjured and takes control of 16 year old Bimba (the gorgeous Katell Laennec) unbeknownst to the rest of the family. Instead of being controlled by an murderous spirit, the spirit that has taken control of Bimba is making her do all sorts of strange and sexual things to the family and herself. It doesn't help that this unbalanced family already has a few screws loose where uncles and brothers are cheating on their wives and lovers in often cruel ways.

While Malabimba is essentially a sex film, there is still some bits of spooky atmosphere and horror that help elevate this film from complete boredom. Laennec is especially good as she gives these evil stares while looking so sexy and seductive. She creeps around corners and pops in peoples rooms (mostly unclothed) that one can't help but feel a bit uneasy. Bimba's kiss to her father in a garden is especially unsettling as her father runs away in terror and she just watches him, a small grin growing on her face. Maybe the most startling moment is Bimba's rape of her wheelchair bound uncle who dies just as he reaches climax. This scene alone is titillating and yet creepy, all at once.

The family is helped by a nun (Mariangela Giordano) who serves as the films Father Karras, the voice of reason and only hope. While she falls victim to Bimba's seduction, she takes it upon herself to save the girl in the ultimate sacrifice that is lifted directly from The Exorcist. While the ending is rather abrupt and unintentionally humorous, it actually works and fits the movie well even though we have already seen it in a better movie.

Severin has released several versions of Malabimba but the one to seek out is the X rated version, containing actual pornographic scenes that I believe were not shot on set but inserted later on. One can watch this version or an even longer version called The Integral Version, where deleted scenes have been found and been inserted back into the movie. Some of these scenes are unnecessary but other scenes do move along the plot and help make the film more coherent (and some of the scenes do have even more nudity, male and female). Severin also provides an interview with the films cinematographer and actress Giordano who talk about the making of this controversial film. The interviews are long and very informative, well worth a look if you enjoy Malabimba.

While not a work of art, Malabimba will appease to the exploitation/Eurosleaze crowd and for fans who love their strange Exorcist rip-offs. Since I am a fan of all three, I cannot help but recommend this dirty little film. Younger movie goers may be in for a shock when they actually get glimpses of real breasts and pubic hairs. Yep...the good old days.

[Rating: 3.5]