Phenomena
Directed by Dario Argento
Jennifer Corvino, the daughter of a famous actor, has had trouble with sleepwalking for some time. Her doctor said that it can develop a split personality. She discovers her alternate personality when she stays at a boarding school that was once the home of Richard Wagner. But someone has been killing the students, and it relates only indirectly to the criminal sanatorium nearby.
Where to Watch Phenomena
- Andrew BlackMarch 5, 2026Suffers badly from bloat and uncertain direction. Until the admittedly strong ending, everything about this one seems a little too long, a bit unfocused. A perfect example is the music. We're treated to songs from many artists, and not all of them fit the vibe (Iron Maiden, who I love, sticks out like a sore thumb). Many scenes drag palpably, and JenCon often seems to lack confidence in her performance, settling for a dazed, floaty sort of presence....which I guess is the point? The pacing issues bring a feeling of drift to a plot that could have been tight and punchy. Speaking of the plot, it's quirked up in a way that is pretty distinct, but while the concept is more focused than in the fever dream of Suspiria, it's not as fleshed out as your average paperback horror novel, which, again, lends to the unfocused vibe of the affair. Feels very long at an hour and three quarters. Yeah, not my fav from Dario.
Phenomena Trivia
Phenomena was released on January 31, 1985.
Phenomena was directed by Dario Argento.
Phenomena has a runtime of 1h 50m.
Phenomena was produced by Dario Argento.
Jennifer Corvino, the daughter of a famous actor, has had trouble with sleepwalking for some time. Her doctor said that it can develop a split personality. She discovers her alternate personality when she stays at a boarding school that was once the home of Richard Wagner. But someone has been killing the students, and it relates only indirectly to the criminal sanatorium nearby.
The key characters in Phenomena are Jennifer Corvino (Jennifer Connelly), Frau Brückner (Daria Nicolodi), Vera Brandt (Fiore Argento).
Phenomena is rated R.
Phenomena is a Horror, Thriller, Mystery film.
Phenomena has an audience rating of 6.7 out of 10.
Phenomena had a budget of $3.8M.