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Horror Cult Classic

A burnt-out rock star seeks solace in the country, but fame's shadows follow.

TORMENT

It began as an obsession ...and ended in murder.

1990 · 1h 26m · NR · Horror / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

Anna Bell is a successful, wealthy but burnt out rock singer. After breaking up with her boyfriend Craig Cane, she retreats to the country property that she's owned for several years, but never had time to visit. She wants to relax and write some new songs, but Mike, her manager, tries to influence her to go back to London. Feeding her pills and alcohol, he pushes her to keep in the spotlight and keep her career moving.

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Quick Answer

What is Torment about?

Torment is a 1990 United Kingdom horror thriller directed by Michael J. Murphy about a successful but burnt-out rock singer retreating to her country estate, only to face mounting pressures from her manipulative manager.

Programmer's Pick

If you ever wondered what happens when a rock star's rural retreat turns into a hotbed of manipulation and menace, Torment delivers with a British twist. Michael J. Murphy leans into slasher and psychological horror territory, and Anna’s attempts at songwriting take a backseat to survival.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Anna Bell, once glamorous and now exhausted by her life as a rock singer, heads to a rural estate she's long neglected in hopes of recharging and finding inspiration for new music. Her desire for peace quickly clashes with the ambitions of her manager, Mike, who pushes her toward the limelight with a cocktail of pills and alcohol. As Anna tries to regain control over her music and life, the isolation of the country house and the manipulations of those around her set an uneasy tone. Torment blends psychological unease with slasher overtones, focusing on fame's aftermath and the dangers lurking both inside and out.

Details & Specs

Director
Michael J. Murphy
Writer
Leo Golding
Release
1990
Runtime
1h 26m
Country
United Kingdom
Language
English
Genres
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

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Director: Michael J. Murphy Writer: Leo Golding
Debbi Stevens Debbi Stevens Anna Bell RB Rob Bartlett Matthew Phil Lyndon Phil Lyndon Mike Caroline MacDowell Caroline MacDowell Fiona AJ Alan Jansen Craig Cane SP Sarah Payne Village Girl Patrick Olliver Patrick Olliver Guy JD Jessica Day Background Singer EM Elise Meldrum Background Singer DB Denise Burden Background Singer

Explore More

Why Cult

Fame and Paranoia

Watch as Anna Bell’s celebrity status becomes a double-edged sword, fueling both her burnout and the sinister dynamics at her secluded estate.

Country Estate Menace

The rural getaway is more claustrophobic than calming, serving up slasher chills in a picturesque English setting.

Manipulative Manager

Mike isn’t just a careerist—he’s a catalyst for Anna’s descent, blending pills, pressure, and personal agenda.

Nudity and Slasher Elements

Brace for both male and female nudity, plus classic slasher tropes like disguises, choking, and knives.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Anna retreats to her country estate

Threat

Manipulation and slasher dangers

Effect

Psychological strain and physical peril

Setting

Secluded country property

Questions from the Vault

When was Torment released? +

Torment was released in 1990.

Who directed Torment? +

Torment was directed by Michael J. Murphy.

How long is Torment? +

Torment has a runtime of 86 minutes.

What genre is Torment? +

Torment is a horror thriller.

Where can I watch Torment? +

You can watch Torment on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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