Inferno (1980)

Dario Argento's follow-up to "Suspiria" further expounds on the "three mothers" mythology - specifically, Mater Tenebrarum, who is based in New York City. "Inferno" is a solid and, once again, visually masterful film from Argento, though not nearly his best work from his pre-"Opera" heyday.

People in and around an old New York apartment building start getting savagely murdered when a book about the "mothers" starts making its rounds, thanks to an Italian female tenant who bought the book from an antiques shop and set the shit in motion. Before SHE is killed, she'd sent a letter off to her brother in Rome who shows up to discover her missing and is immediately suspicious. As her bro attempts to uncover what is going on in the seemingly cursed building, more people are killed off by the unseen gloved assailant.

As a sort-of sequel to "Suspiria", this one rocks it with the signature explosive Argento color palette and excellent cinematography you would (or SHOULD) expect. The story-line is good and thickens the whole "three mothers" concept by introducing the next sinister witch and what she's all about. Aside from these positives - not the most brutal array of kills in an Argento film, though the rat scene was pretty fucking spectacular as well as kinda bizarre. Great use of rats and cats, overall! There IS a cat attack, as well, that is definitely something to behold. "Inferno" is absolutely one to check out if you're looking for some quality Italian horror from one of the all time greats, though I can't say it packs quite the 'punch' as other Argento films from around this time. Still, it's nothing shy of a work of atmospheric art.