Videodrome (1983) Review: A Cronenberg Body Horror Classic That's Aged Into Something More Relevant

LinkImage

Loved this movie. It’s a great Sunday afternoon movie. This was great for 1983. And it aged well! Still good in 2026. AND still quite relevant. I think we’re due for a reimagining. The internet, the metaverse, AI. And the main character has hallucinations?! It’s all there! Of course this is Cronenberg, so there’s body horror, and it’s great. I particularly love the VHS (Video Home System) contraption. This is required reading for anyone who likes Cronenberg or body horror.

Conceptually, I don’t think it’s as weird as other Cronenberg stories, which could be seen as comforting or troubling. And that split second of self-doubt is worth 2 thumbs up.

It’s also nice to see these old films and watch actors in their prime. James Woods was great here. My wife also says Blondie is in the movie, but I don’t know who Blondie is. But yeah, cool. Always cool to put a pop star in a movie.

A part of me thinks: is The Matrix (1999) the modern-day equivalent of this? I’m thinking no. The Matrix came out 27 years ago, so that’s not a “modern-day interpretation.” And second, not enough body horror and gore in The Matrix. I mean, come on, imagine The Matrix but gory, horror, and with more trauma.

★★★★★ for her, ★★★★☆ for me.

Catch the rest of what I’m watching on Letterboxd.