Title: Ben
Year: 1972
Rating: 5.8
Cast: Lee Montgomery, Joseph Campanella, Arthur O'Connell, Rosemary Murphy, Meredith Baxter
Description: A chilling exploration of childhood trauma masked by a veneer of normalcy, "Ben" (1972) isn't just a horror film; it's a psychological study. The unsettling ambiguity surrounding the titular rat, coupled with the protagonist's increasingly erratic behavior, creates a palpable sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. While the special effects might appear dated by today's standards, their very rawness enhances the film's unsettling atmosphere. This isn't a jump-scare fest; it's a slow burn of dread, skillfully building tension through subtle sound design and unsettling imagery. The film forces a confrontation with the fragility of the human psyche and the unseen terrors that can lurk within the familiar. "Ben" remains a masterclass in psychological horror, a haunting exploration of paranoia and the darkness that can reside in the most ordinary of places.