Equinox (1986 film)

Equinox, also known as The Beast Within, is a 1986 American horror film directed by Matthew Masi, Mark Thomas McGee, and Jack Woods. It was compiled from an unfinished 1967 student film titled The Equinox... A Journey into the Supernatural, directed by Dennis Muren. Muren, who went on to a distinguished career in visual effects, disowned the completed 1986 version.

The film tells the story of a group of young adults who stumble upon an ancient book in the woods, unleashing a series of supernatural events and monstrous creatures. The protagonist, David Fielding, portrayed by Edward Connell, experiences a horrifying transformation, becoming a demonic beast.

Equinox is notable for its low-budget special effects, stop-motion animation, and its cult following among fans of B-movies and vintage horror. It features creature designs by Jim Danforth, though his work was primarily focused on the original student film footage incorporated into the final release. The film's plot draws on classic horror themes of demonic possession and the unleashing of primal evil. Despite its troubled production history and critical reception, Equinox remains a frequently discussed and referenced example of independent horror filmmaking. Its influence can be seen in later horror films and its availability on home video has solidified its cult status.