Malabimba, the Malicious Whore [1979]

Young innocent Bimba is possessed by an evil spirit that makes her quite horny.

I liked this film quite a bit – it was a raunchy good time. I felt the pacing was done quite well – and I didn’t start checking the time – or get impatient with the film – though I would say 2/3 of the film was a sexual encounter of some sort. There’s not much to speak of when it comes to plot – as it just ended up being an escalation of Bimba’s odd sexual behavior – from voyeurism – to “playing” with her stuffed animals – to coming on to her father – and so on – until the climax (pun half intended) of the film.

There was an interesting theme of the taboo of female sexuality – where it would seem that it’s typical the male that who’s the true pervert and pursuing the female – in this film with both Bimba and Nais it’s the other way around. The males in the film are flawed – and fearful of their sexuality – Bimba’s father Andrea was damaged by his wife’s death and resistant and almost disgusted by Nais come-ons – the lawyer was sent into a violent rage when confronted with Nais sexual mocking – and the uncle Adolfo was in some kind of catatonic state. It may be exploitive of female nudity – but it’s the females in this film who have the power by being able to be expressive with their sexuality - even if it’s some demon in Bimba who allows her – it’s a hypothesized that it’s a FEMALE demon.

My only real knock on the film was that there was a séance to begin the film – but it wasn’t ever referenced – or blamed for Bimba’s odd behavior. Plus, they all seemed to be a fairly religious bunch – though quite hypocritical – and a séance just seemed out of place. Maybe it’s just a fun taboo that they decided to play with one night when Bimba’s nun/teacher/nurse was accidently locked in her room. The séance was unnecessary and seemed tacked on – they could’ve just left it kind of open and uncertain what the issue is with Bimba is. Maybe she’s just going through an extreme sexual awakening that is magnified by her restrictive upbringing – all brought on by puberty? Then they discover it’s a demon!

My other concern was – how can their family have lived in that castle for 15 generations – and are still paying it off? Can you get a mortgage on a castle? I’m sure you could – but why if 15 generations of your family still couldn’t have paid it off – making your income enough to live your extravagant lifestyle – but if you can’t do that - maybe they should move to the suburbs. It really has no bearing on the plot – and it was forgotten almost after it was said – but it was curious.

I’m glad that I watched the unrated version – as there’s a XXX version with hardcore inserts – but this version was explicit enough. I’m giving this an enthusiastic 4 out of 5 – if you are a fan of these kind of films – it’s a must see. For more on this film I recommend THIS REVIEW which brought it to my attention and made it a must see.

[directed by Andrea Bianchi]