My take: This is top notch psychological horror from master director Roman Polanski.

The first in what would later be known as Roman Polanski’s apartment trilogy, Repulsion is a study in madness. The film follows Carole, a young French woman in London. She is beautiful aloof, and inexplicably troubled. When her sister goes on holiday with her married boyfriend, it becomes clear that Carole is more than troubled; she is slowly losing her mind.

repulsion poster

Poster for Repulsion

It starts with what appears to be mere day dreaming and devolves into lurid, frightening fantasies riddled with molestation, violence and rot.

When you watch it, don’t be put off by the slow start. It is worth it in the end.

I recommend this movie to fans of Roman Polanski, Rosemary’s Baby, thrillers, 60s kitsch and madness.