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The Shout (1978): Plot Summary, Locations, Ending Explained, and Viewing Options

Dive into the Eerie World of “The Shout” (1978): Plot, Locations, and How to Watch Looking for a film that feels strange? Something that crawls under your skin and lingers? Let’s discuss “The Shout”, a British horror film from 1978. It leans more on psychological unease than jump scares. Unraveling the Plot: What’s “The Shout” […]

Dive into the Eerie World of "The Shout" (1978): Plot, Locations, and How to Watch

Looking for a film that feels strange? Something that crawls under your skin and lingers? Let’s discuss "The Shout", a British horror film from 1978. It leans more on psychological unease than jump scares.

Unraveling the Plot: What's "The Shout" Really About?

The narrative focuses on Rachel Fielding and her husband, Anthony. They live quietly in rural Devon. Their lives change with the arrival of Charles Crossley. He is a mysterious wanderer. He claims to have learned a deadly shout from Aboriginal sorcerers. This shout is said to kill anyone who hears it. Curious yet? You should be.

Alan Bates portrays Crossley with unsettling calm. He inserts himself into the Fieldings' world, creating anxiety and dread. Crossley demonstrates his shout in a disturbing scene where he kills a bull. It’s shocking but understated. The film toys with your expectations. Is Crossley a fraud, a madman, or does he have real power?

The story reveals more about Crossley's unsettling views. He wants to control others, leading to manipulation. He’s not just an antagonist; he’s a force of nature or something darker. The brilliance of "The Shout" lies in this ambiguity. It keeps you questioning the truth behind Crossley’s powers and aims until the surprise ending.

The Ending Explained: Decoding the Cricket Match and Beyond

Now, let’s discuss the ending. If you've watched "The Shout," you may find yourself puzzled by the conclusion. It culminates in a cricket match where Anthony challenges Crossley. Anthony believes it will expose Crossley as a fraud. Then, things become surreal.

During the match, Crossley unleashes the "shout." Chaos erupts. People fall, and reality distorts. The film shifts between the cricket match and the story of Robert Graves (Tim Curry). He recounts this tale in a mental hospital. Graves shares his story with another patient. As events unfold, it’s unclear what's real and what is Graves’s possibly warped mind.

The ending is deliberately vague. Did Crossley really have the deadly shout? Or was it psychological manipulation or hysteria? The film refrains from providing clear answers. It prompts you to consider belief, fear, and suggestion's power. This ending encourages discussion and debate, similar to other films with “Shout” in their titles but quite different in tone.

Filming Locations: Where Was "The Shout" Brought to Life?

The eerie vibe of "The Shout" gains depth from its filming locations. The filmmakers chose North Devon, England, for its stark landscapes. Key scenes occur along the dramatic coast of Saunton Sands and in the village of Croyde.

Picture windy beaches, rugged cliffs, and lonely cottages. These visuals enhance the sense of isolation in the film. The stark beauty of Devon becomes an additional character. It heightens feelings of discomfort and strangeness. If you stroll through North Devon, you may recall the sinister elements of "The Shout," unfolding against that backdrop.

Where to Watch "The Shout": Finding This Hidden Gem

Curious and eager to see "The Shout"? You might wonder where to find this obscure film. While mainstream platforms may not feature it often, some options exist.

Currently, check streaming services that focus on classic films. Platforms like Criterion Channel or Shudder sometimes include "The Shout" in their collections. Keep an eye on their monthly selections. Alternatively, you can rent or buy from platforms like Amazon Prime Video or iTunes. Physical media fans can seek DVDs or Blu-rays of "The Shout."

If locating it through legal means proves difficult, check "The Shout"'s IMDb page. User reviews often provide updated info on where to find it online.

“The Shout” doesn’t scream for your attention like typical horror flicks. It whispers and hints at deeper fears, leaving lingering questions. The film taps into primal fears, similar to Edvard Munch's painting, "The Scream." It expresses horror through sound rather than imagery. If you seek a cerebral horror experience that’s unnerving rather than predictable, "The Shout" is worth your time.

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WRITTEN BY

Max Levy

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