We continue the 31 Days of Frights with Brain Damage from 1988. A young man discovers a disgusting parasite has attached itself to his brain stem. He becomes addicted to the psychedelic euphoria it produces, but in return, he must feed it human victims.
The Story
Brain Damage is a one-of-a-kind horror film for sure. It has a unique blend of horror and comedy while also having an impressive metaphor. Aylmer is the name of the Parasite that escapes his previous owners and finds Brian. Once the parasite gives Brian his juice, Brian becomes trapped.
Brian goes through the movie trying to get rid of Aylmer, but the further he strays, the more dependent on the parasite he becomes. This movie is so much fun. We like our protagonist Brian, and we want to see him succeed, but we also want to see what the parasite is going to be up to next. Aylmer eats brains and is just always hungry. Some of the victims and kills in this movie are so over-the-top fun and hilarious, they need to be seen to be believed.
The Metaphor and Aylmer
Frank Henenlotter is the director of this movie. His other films include Basket Case and Frankenhooker. While those movies are more well-known among horror fans, I do feel Brain Damage is the movie of his that has the most meaning.
Aylmer is a huge metaphor for drug addiction. Brian is addicted to the blue juice that Alymer injects into his brain. There is even a scene of withdrawal when Brian locks himself and Aylmer in a hotel room because he doesn’t want to kill anyone else. We see him go through such pain while the parasite sits in the corner singing a song, knowing that Brian will just give in soon. The story shows how addiction can cause isolation and make people do different desperate acts.
The voice of Alymer is Zacherle. Zacherle is mostly known for being a horror host on the East Coast. The character is charming and friendly-sounding throughout, even though his motives are just to take, take, take. Alymer is definitely one of the most underrated villains in horror.
Overall
Brain Damage is fearless in the sense that it does whatever it wants. It has some big kills, some big jokes, and a big story. The movie is complete fun while having something serious to say. Check it out and see for yourself if you become addicted.
Brain Damage is available now to watch on Tubi.
Come back tomorrow for some more spooky reviews.
