“What touched this place cannot be quantified or understood by human science.”
Ward-Color Out of Space
Stuart Gordon is one of the most underrated directors of all time. Despite making the most out of small budgets and B-list stars, Gordon never seemed to get a big break. His films never performed well at the box office, but almost every movie has achieved cult status. From Beyond is no different.
From Beyond tells the story of a group of scientists led by the troubled Dr. Crawford Tillinghast (Jeffrey Combs), who activates a machine called the Resonator that opens a portal to another dimension. What follows is a grotesque descent into terror as creatures from this parallel universe wreak havoc on the researchers’ bodies and minds. The story is tight enough to keep you engaged while leaning heavily into its horror trappings, combining a sci-fi premise with grisly practical effects that push the boundaries of what 80s audiences were prepared to see.
As Dr. Katherine McMichaels, Barbara Crampton stands out in a role that evolves from a cool, detached professional into something much darker and more complex. Crampton’s performance is a perfect blend of vulnerability and ferocity, her character’s arc navigating the moral and physical decay brought on by the Resonator’s influence. Watching her unravel is one of the film’s key delights, and it’s clear she embraced the twisted nature of the material with relish.
The film’s practical effects is the real star of the show. From Beyond delivers an array of grotesque transformations and creature designs that feel tangible in a way CGI often fails to capture. The mutations are nightmarish, at once gross and captivating, making you squirm but unable to look away. The creature work is so over-the-top that it feels almost like a fever dream, a perfect complement to the movie’s descent into madness.
Stuart Gordon’s direction ensures that the film maintains high intensity. He pulls no punches to show just how deranged the Resonator’s power can be. He balances the absurdity of the premise with a raw, disturbing atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
From Beyond falters slightly in its pacing. The first half builds tension and intrigue, but the film begins to lose momentum in its second act as it shifts from psychological horror to full-blown body horror. The final showdown feels a bit rushed, with the ending leaving some viewers wanting more resolution or a deeper emotional payoff. That said, even its weaker moments are punctuated by enough bizarre imagery and shocking set pieces to keep things interesting.
From Beyond earns its cult status by blending gore, science fiction, and unsettling psychological elements into a twisted experience. Gordon’s direction and attention to detail bring a terrifying, unseen world to life. While the pacing may stumble at times, and the ending leaves a bit to be desired, the performances—especially Crampton’s—and the unforgettable practical effects make this film a must-see for fans of the genre.
