Classics: A Review of Curse of the Cat People By Lauren Ennis

Childhood is a wondrous time in which magic and danger seem to be waiting around every corner. But what happens when the whimsy of childhood fantasy begins to consume every day reality. It is this question that lies at the heart of 1944's The Curse of the Cat People. Much like its cult classic predecessor, the film explores the difficulties of being different and the dark side of the imagination, albeit from a child's perspective. The film abandons the supernatural thrills that made Cat People a hit in favor of the real life horrors of familial discord and social alienation, making it one of Hollywood's most original and polarizing sequels. Fall under the spell of The Curse of the Cat People.

The story begins several years after the events of Cat People. Oliver and Alice seem to be leading an idyllic existence in the suburbs with their young daughter, Amy. Despite their happy life together, however, they remain haunted by the memory of Oliver's tormented first wife, Irena. The ghosts of the past become disturbingly present when dreamy Amy reveals that her imaginary friend to be none other than Irena. Unnerved by this revelation, Oliver becomes determined that Amy abandon all of her fantasies for fear that she might share in Irena's tragic fate. What ensues is a battle of wills that will put past against present and imagination against reality in its father-daughter conflict. 

At once a stark departure from its predecessor and an apt tribute to all of the qualities that made it a classic, The Curse of the Cat People is an animal all its own. In its blatant break from the sensuality and thrills that made Cat People a fan favorite The Curse of the Cat People earned the derision of contemporary audiences. Yet it is these same changes that endeared the film to contemporary critics and modern audiences alike. While most sequels are merely rehashes of existing films that serve as little more than imitations of their predecessors, The Curse of the Cat People acts equally well as a sequel or a standalone film. While the film abandons its exploration of sexual repression and the immigrant experience it leans even further into the original film's themes of mental illness, social alienation, and conformity. As a result, the film expands upon the themes of the first film while still telling an original story. Similarly, the film manages to recapture the familiar eerie atmosphere of the original, even as it places the characters in a fresh scenario. In this way, the film manages to strike a surprising balance between making its own mark and honoring that which came before. Beyond comparisons to its predecessor The Curse of the Cat People remains notable for its accurate portrayal of children and child psychology. In fact, the script's depiction of child psychology was so highly regarded that UCLA would show the film as part of their sociology curriculum. At once eerily familiar and entirely unique The Curse of the Cat People makes for purrfect viewing.

The film brings the legend of the cat people back to life thanks to the work of its cast. Jane Randolph lends warmth to her portrayal of working girl turned wife and mother, Alice. Kent Smith offers a darker take on Oliver, which highlights how his own closed mindedness and emotional neglect contributed to Irena's downfall. Simone Simon infuses Irena with an ethereal melancholy that makes her the most sympathetic ghost since Casper. Ann Carter portrays Amy with an intelligence, depth, and maturity that makes the premature end of her career (after contracting polio) all the more poignant. Julia Dean's depiction of dementia ravaged neighbor, Mrs. Farren, is nothing short of harrowing. Elizabeth Russell is equal parts frightening and heartbreaking as Mrs. Farren's daughter, Barbara. 

The Curse of the Cat People is the ultimate cinematic unicorn; a sequel that meets and even exceeds the standard set by its predecessor. Through its equal parts eerie and insightful script the film successfully transports viewers back to the world of its characters and into the depths of the human mind. The cast revive their roles in a way that both honors and expands upon the original film. Experience the magic and mystery of the movies with The Curse of the Cat People.