The Premature Burial (1962) Review in 2025
A psychological horror film about a man who is convinced that he is being buried alive, and must find a way to escape before it's too late.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some scary moments.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of horror and thriller genres, but it's not particularly memorable or impactful. It's a decent addition to the Roger Corman filmography, but it's not a standout title.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Luke Sawyer, a man who has a recurring nightmare of being buried alive. He becomes convinced that he is actually being buried alive and sets out to uncover the truth, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful climax.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and suspenseful, but it's not particularly original or memorable. The plot twists are predictable, but the tension is well-maintained throughout.
acting7.00/10
The acting is generally good, with Ray Milland delivering a strong performance as Luke Sawyer. The supporting cast is also solid, but they're not particularly memorable.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-acted, but they're not particularly well-developed. Luke Sawyer is a likable protagonist, but his motivations and backstory are not fully explored.
direction7.00/10
Roger Corman's direction is solid, but it's not particularly stylish or innovative. He does a good job of building tension and creating a sense of unease, but the pacing is sometimes uneven.
cinematography6.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but it's not particularly impressive. The black-and-white photography is effective in creating a sense of gloom and foreboding, but the composition is sometimes clumsy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Premature Burial is a well-crafted horror film with a strong performance from Ray Milland. The tension is well-maintained throughout, and the plot twists are engaging. However, the story is not particularly original, and the characters are not well-developed.
Cons
The Premature Burial is a dated film with some clunky pacing and uneven cinematography. The plot is predictable, and the characters are not particularly memorable. Overall, it's a decent addition to the horror genre, but it's not a standout title.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not going to be buried alive!"
"You're not going to bury me, I'm going to bury you!"
