Demon Wind

Demon Wind (1990): A Bizarre Blend of Demons, Gore, and Surreal Horror

Released in 1990, Demon Wind stands as a fascinating relic of late-80s horror excess. Directed by Charles Philip Moore, the film blends traditional demonic possession themes with wild special effects, nonsensical plot twists, and a surreal dreamlike quality that has helped it earn cult status among genre fans. Though it was largely dismissed by critics upon its release, Demon Wind has gained a loyal following over the years thanks to its over-the-top style, eerie atmosphere, and unintentional humor.

The story follows Cory, a young man haunted by the mysterious death of his grandparents, who vanished under strange circumstances decades earlier. Determined to uncover the truth, Cory travels with a group of friends to the abandoned family farmhouse, situated in a remote and ominous countryside. As soon as they arrive, the group is plagued by supernatural forces, ghostly apparitions, and increasingly violent demonic attacks. What begins as a simple investigation quickly spirals into a surreal nightmare where time and reality seem to collapse.

Demon Wind draws clear inspiration from other horror classics like The Evil Dead, The Fog, and Night of the Demons. However, its execution is far less cohesive. The film veers wildly between gothic horror, creature feature, and surreal dream logic. It makes use of everything from haunted mirrors and ancient spells to zombies, exploding heads, and spontaneous character transformations. In one particularly memorable scene, a man turns into a demon mid-karate fight—an encapsulation of the film’s unhinged creativity.

While the acting is uneven at best, the cast commits fully to the madness. Eric Larson, as Cory, delivers a sincere performance, even when faced with awkward dialogue and increasingly absurd plot developments. The supporting characters are thinly written archetypes—ranging from the psychic girlfriend to the magician martial artist—but they each meet gruesome ends that showcase the film’s practical effects.

The film’s low-budget origins are obvious, but the makeup and creature designs are impressively grotesque. Demonic faces melt, eyes ooze black goo, and possessed corpses burst into flame. Despite technical limitations, the effects are inventive and occasionally effective in generating real unease. The fog-covered setting and the isolated cabin reinforce a sense of dread, even when the narrative falters.

What ultimately gives Demon Wind its staying power is not polish, but personality. It’s a film that throws every horror trope at the wall—some stick, most don’t, but all of it is entertaining in a strange, offbeat way. It’s the kind of midnight movie that rewards viewers who appreciate weird cinema and practical gore over logic or structure.

Verdict: Demon Wind is a chaotic, atmospheric, and frequently nonsensical entry in the annals of low-budget horror. While it lacks coherence and strong performances, it compensates with wild creativity, eerie visuals, and enough bizarre moments to secure its place as a beloved cult classic. It’s not a good film in the traditional sense—but it’s a memorable one.