10 Underappreciated 80s Slashers
2. American Gothic
American Gothic is a gleefully over the top horror with a pretty simple story and a memorable VHS cover which parodies Grant Wood’s famous painting.
When Cynthia is released from psychiatric care her partner decides to get her away from the city with some friends. When the private plane they are on runs into trouble they land next to a small secluded island and set off to explore.
They quickly run into an old farmhouse and its owners: Ma and Pa, played by Rod Steiger and Yvonne De Carlo. Following what seems like a warm welcome, things quickly turn strange when they meet Franny, the couple’s daughter, a grown woman who thinks she is a small child. They are soon introduced to sons, Teddy and Woody, who are similarly aged men who think they are children and it isn't long before things start to go seriously wrong.
American Gothic is great fun to watch, mainly down the family’s performance and some good narrative turns. It is tame on the gore, preferring to make the viewer feel uncomfortable in watching the interactions of the group with the family. But, there are some memorable deaths involving a swing and some knitting needles. Rod Steiger hams things up with a fire and brimstone performance and De Carlo is great fun to watch.