Movie Review: ‘Crucified’ (2021) Director Claudio Lattanzi Teturns To Horror

I have to admit, I was unaware of this film until I saw it. I know of the director’s work so I had an understanding on what to expect. The film, Crucified by Claudio Lattanzi (Zombie 5: Killing Birds), is a story about the end of the world and vampires. 

The plot: 

In a dungeon, five people struggle for their survival: three women, a theologian, and a young doctor. Outside this hideout reigns the APOCALYPSE. The Evil has been generated by a patient zero, and a group of former soldiers, The Exterminators, crucify any person they meet to find the source of this evil.

Crucified features the talents of Michele Soavi movies like Cinzia Monreale (The Beyond, Beyond The Darkness), Giovanni Lombardo Radice (Cannibal Ferox, City Of The Living Dead) and Marina Loi (Zombie 3, Demons 2). Written by Antonio Tentori (A Cat ION The Brain) and special effects and make-up by the Italian master Sergio Stivaletti (Phenomena, Demons 1985 – read our retro review here).

Crucified opens with a woman being chased by an individual. She is eventually cornered and has a spike pierced into her chest which was very impressive on an FX scale. From there we meet a Theologist who is trying to uncover the secrets that has left the world in rubble and debris on scorched earth. Survivors are being hunted by a group called Exterminators, whom we see a bit, in the beginning, hunting them down and crucifying one, which again looks great on camera.

From that point, Crucified turns into a slow burn which may either interest or bore you. I did follow along to see if we got any character development or backstories. However, we do not. We just see them discussing plans on how to flee the Exterminators. After lengthy discussions, they meet a Doctor who may be the help they need to survive. He figures out which ones could very well be infected.

The second part does drag on a bit, yet it does set up the third act, which I felt was the big payoff. Plus, the film has a cast and crew from classic ’80s horror movies. The whole thing sets up to where the finale was the big finish. 

I have to admit… this movie isn’t bad. I enjoyed it. Fans of ’80s horror will enjoy it, too. As for people who may not be fans of slow burns, I say give Crucified a chance and just understand that the people who craft such fine stories actually know what they’re doing.