"The Johnsons" (1992)

by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden

In our “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. For this installment, it’s the Dutch thriller, The Johnsons by Rudolf van den Berg and Movies Film Productions.

Synopsis

According to an ancient Indian tale a giant monster embryo residing in a crystal vase is predetermined to fertilize a blue-eyed woman. She will give birth to something evil to unleash horror and destruction upon humankind. Ugly septuplet brothers reproduced within the framework of mysterious genetic experiments terrorize a young innocent girl who seems to be chosen for the sinister predestination.

The Good

Joseph: Nutty, batty, wacky, and out there, The Johnsons is also on the edgy side, as we have the threat of incest and rape throughout, aimed at a girl anticipating her first menstrual period and involving murderous brothers who she doesn’t know exist. Demonic doings involving both mad science and mythology are served up, and the less you try to connect every element, the more enjoyment you are likely to get with this film. The performances are rather good, though done in by the English language dubbing (see “The Bad”). It’s an odd, intriguing blend of humor without being a horror comedy and fright-fare elements that come off as more amusing than terrifying — though make no mistake, there is plenty of dark material on tap.

Mike: The biggest strength of The Johnsons is its originality, presenting a narrative that is quite different from typical horror fare. The combination of ancient mythology, incestuous undertones, and the threat of a monstrous birth creates a sense of unease and dread. The film doesn't shy away from disturbing imagery and themes, which contributes to its unsettling atmosphere. The acting is decent, with the cast delivering performances that effectively convey the growing sense of horror and desperation. The young Esmée de la Bretonière, who plays Emalee, does a good job of portraying a teenager haunted by terrifying visions. Monique van de Ven also delivers a solid performance.

The Bad

Joseph: Mike and I watched the English dub version of The Johnsons. Ouch, that is some corny dubbing. The film is all over the place, which is part of its problems but also part of its charm. Convenient plot advancements abound, such as our mother protagonist being sent on a photography job, accompanied by her daughter, from the U.S. to not only the exact country — The Netherlands — where the evil brothers reside, but the same close area to where they are held prisoner.

Mike: The Johnsons is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, and some of the plot elements can feel convoluted or underdeveloped. The special effects, particularly those involving the creature, are dated and may not appeal to modern viewers. Some viewers find the film's tone uneven, mixing moments of genuine horror with elements that border on the absurd. This can be jarring, and it may detract from the overall impact of the film for some.

The Verdict

Joseph: I had heard about The Johnsons being on the crazy side and recommended to Mike that we check it out for The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict. I’m glad I did, because the film is quite the experience. You may go away befuddled about some of the aspects, but you’ll also go away being thoroughly entertained, both for reasons the filmmakers meant and for others that they most likely didn’t have in mind.

Mike: The Johnsons has a certain cult appeal. Its originality, bizarre storyline, and unsettling atmosphere make it a memorable, if not always entirely successful, horror experience. It's a film that stays with you, even if some of its imagery is more likely to provoke head-scratching than pure terror. It's a curiosity, and it's easy to see why it has gained a following among fans of unconventional horror.