Tenebrae (film)

Tenebrae is a 1982 Italian giallo film written and directed by Dario Argento. The film stars Anthony Franciosa, Daria Nicolodi, Giuliano Gemma, and John Saxon.

The plot centers on Peter Neal (Franciosa), an American horror novelist who travels to Rome to promote his latest book, also titled Tenebrae. While there, he becomes entangled in a series of brutal murders that mirror the killings described in his novel. A mysterious killer is using Neal's book as inspiration, taunting him with clues and escalating the violence.

As the body count rises, Neal finds himself working with the police, including Detective Germani (Gemma), to try and stop the murderer. He also enlists the help of Anne Riordan (Nicolodi), a lesbian detective novelist, and his literary agent's assistant, Marion (Mirella D'Angelo). Suspects emerge and are eliminated, and the film is known for its shocking plot twists and graphic violence.

Tenebrae is notable for its stylistic camerawork, suspenseful atmosphere, and its exploration of themes related to violence, misogyny, and the power of art. It is considered a classic of the giallo genre and a significant work in Argento's filmography. The film's title, meaning "shadows" or "darkness" in Latin, reflects the film's themes of hidden evil and obscured motives. The score was composed by Goblin, known for their collaborations with Argento on previous films.