Deep Evil

Peacock Films

R4 DVD

Deep Evil is an intriguing science fiction film which combines a military black operation with a story about bio weapons. It seems a private sector lab working deep under the Alaskan mountains has been modifying alien DNA found on a meteor. The experiments have led to the discovery of a new form of water based life which can survive in all climates and conditions and can mutant into a myriad of shapes and sizes as the needs require. During one of these experiments the water based creature transforms into a silvery spider and is able to breach the bio hazard suit of one of the doctors, causing his painful death and triggering a security shut down.

A motley crew of military types and scientists are sent to investigate but are shocked by what they find. It seems the key scientist has been working on a secret project for “Harrison”, the code name for their military contact, on creating a new strain of the alien DNA. This new strain is intelligent, learns fast and while able to work as a liquid can recombine to create not only animal but humanoid forms. It is a predator like no other and is now on the loose. If it comes in contact with a human, even in the form of a single drop of liquid, it is able to spread the infection quickly and destroy the human body from the inside out. As it becomes clear that the creature has gained control of the lab, the team must set off a neutron bomb buried in the bowels of the complex. Fighting their way to the bomb, the team is killed, one by one, until one is left alone to neutralize the threat and ensure the creature never escapes.

While the name “Deep Evil” is not especially imaginative, this is actually a fairly successful film. From beginning to end it is suspenseful and the innovative concept of a “water based” creature allows the creation of constant tension. The acting is reasonable and for a budget film the CGI is adequate. While in some places the special effects are a bit stretched (the spiders, for example), in others they are especially good, the humanoid water creatures are especially impressive and remind me of the monster from The Creature from The Black Lagoon! This is a creative film and the director has clearly tried to make something a little different from the run-of-the-mill alien run amuck in the lab type tale.

Deep Evil combines a science fiction plot with a strong subtext about the military and terrorism. The way in which the military police torture the surviving scientist, under the pretence of natural security, is telling. The combination of secret military operations, terrorism and alien bio weapons make this an interesting work of cinema.

Deep Evil has its faults but as a work of late night “creature-feature” sci fi entertainment it is certainly very enjoyable.

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This review will appear in Volume 3 No.1 of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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