A single mom is raped by an invisible force. Her psychiatrist believes the experience stems from childhood trauma, while she knows something supernatural is at play.
Acting
Hershey's physical performance—convincing terror without visible threat.
Practical Effects
That bedroom attack scene used practical effects so effective they're still debated.
Direction
Furie's invasive camera work makes you feel like the entity.
Director
Sidney J. Furie
Barbara Hershey
Carla Moran
Ron Silver
Phil Sneiderman
David Labiosa
Billy
George Coe
Dr. Weber
Margaret Blye
Cindy Nash
Jacqueline Brookes
Dr. Cooley
Richard Brestoff
Gene Kraft
Michael Alldredge
George Nash
Raymond Singer
Joe Mehan
Natasha Ryan
Julie
Alex Rocco
Jerry Anderson
Sully Boyar
Mr. Reisz
Tom Stern
Woody Browne
Allan Rich
Dr. Walcott
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Doris Bither case involved four children witnessing attacks; the film fictionalized this to isolate Carla further.
Released during the ERA battle, the film's skepticism toward institutional authority resonated with women whose trauma was medicalized rather than believed.
US
