Movies › Suspiria
Suspiria 2018
Historical horrorSupernatural horror
A 2018 American supernatural horror film, Suspiria is directed by Luca Guadagnino and features a screenplay written by David Kajganich. It draws inspiration from Dario Argento’s 1977 Italian original of the same name. The main character is played by Dakota Johnson, an American woman who joins a renowned dance school in Berlin that is controlled by a group of witches. Tilda Swinton plays three different roles: as the academy's chief choreographer, a male psychotherapist connected to the school, and the head of the witch coven. Supporting actors include Mia Goth, Elena Fokina, and Chloë Grace Moretz as students, while Angela Winkler, Ingrid Caven, Sylvie Testud, Renée Soutendijk, and Christine LeBoutte portray various matrons at the academy. Jessica Harper, who starred in the first version of the film, makes a brief appearance.
The remake of Suspiria was initially announced in 2008 after Guadagnino obtained the rights from Argento and Daria Nicolodi. In September 2015, he confirmed his intention to direct, calling his version an “homage” rather than a straight remake. A new script was developed by Kajganich, who had previously worked on Guadagnino’s A Bigger Splash. The story is set during the “German Autumn” of 1977, aiming to explore generational guilt in post-war Germany during the Cold War. Additional themes include motherhood, evil, and the power structures within matriarchal systems.
Unlike the original film's vibrant color palette, Guadagnino’s version uses a more somber and desolate visual style, avoiding bright hues. The movie includes stylized dance sequences choreographed by Damien Jalet, which are central to its portrayal of witchcraft. Principal filming occurred in late 2016 and early 2017 across Varese, Italy, and Berlin. The soundtrack was composed by Thom Yorke, a Radiohead member, who drew from krautrock influences. The film is dedicated to the memories of Franca Sozzani, Jonathan Demme, and Deborah Falzone.
Suspiria had its premiere at the 75th Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2018. Amazon Studios released it in limited screenings in Los Angeles and New York on October 26, 2018, earning over $180,000 during its opening weekend—marking the highest average box-office debut of that year. It was shown in select US cities on October 31 before a wider release on November 2, 2018. The film was later released in Italy on January 1, 2019.
Though it performed poorly at the box office, the film received mixed critical reviews. Some critics appreciated its visual style and acting, while others found its historical context disconnected from the rest of the narrative.
Trailer
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Cast
- Dakota JohnsonSusanna "Susie" Bannion/Mother Suspiriorum
- Tilda SwintonMadame Blanc/Mother Helena Markos/Dr. Josef Klemperer
- Mia GothSara Simms
- Angela WinklerMiss Tanner
- Ingrid CavenMiss Vendegast
- Elena FokinaOlga Ivanova
- Chloë Grace MoretzPatricia "Pat" Hingle
- Sylvie TestudMiss Griffith
- Renée SoutendijkMiss Huller
- Christine LeBoutteMiss Balfour
- Małgosia BelaMrs. Bannion/Death
- Jessica HarperAnke Meier
- Fabrizia SacchiPavla
- Jessica BatutMiss Mandel
- Alek WekMiss Millius
- Vincenza ModicaMiss Marks
- Vanda CaprioloAlberta
- Brigitte CuvelierMiss Kaplitt
- Gala MoodyCaroline
- Anne-Lise BreversSonia
- Sara SguottiDoll
- Halla ThordardottirMascia
- Olivia AnconaMarketa
- Clementine HoudartMiss Boutaher
- Doris HickFrau Sesame
- Mikael OlssonAgent Glockner
- Fred KelemenAgent Albrecht
Crew
- Director
- Luca Guadagnino
- Screenplay
- David Kajganich
- Producer
- Marco Morabito, Bradley J. Fischer, Luca Guadagnino, David Kajganich, Silvia Venturini Fendi, Francesco Melzi d'Eril, William Sherak, Gabriele Moratti
- Cinematography
- Sayombhu Mukdeeprom
- Editing
- Walter Fasano
- Music
- Thom Yorke
Details
- Production
- First Sun, Frenesy Film Company, K Period Media, MeMo Films, Mythology Entertainment, Videa
- Distributor
- Amazon Studios, Videa (Italy)
- Budget
- $20 million
- Box office
- $8 million
