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Giallo chills and Goblin grooves haunt a Venetian island where murder never rests.

THE BLOODSTAINED SHADOW

Once the killing had started… it could never stop!

1978 · 01:49:00 · NR · Crime / Mystery / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

The body of a schoolgirl is found in a meadow. The murderer is never caught, and years later, a young man named Stefano returns to the island and is reunited with his brother, the local priest.

Quick Answer
What is The Bloodstained Shadow about?

The Bloodstained Shadow is a 1978 Italian crime, mystery, and thriller film directed by Antonio Bido about a young man named Stefano who returns to a Venetian island years after an unsolved schoolgirl murder and is reunited with his brother, the local priest.

Key Facts
Director
Antonio Bido
Writers
Domenico Malan, Antonio Bido, Marisa Andalò
Release
1978
Runtime
1h 49m
Country
Italy
Language
Italian
Also Known As
Only Blackness, Terreur sur la lagune, Sombra sangrienta, Terror na Lagoa, Blutige Schatten, The Blood Stained Shadow

The SassyFlix Take

Antonio Bido throws a giallo party on a fog-laced Venetian island, complete with murder, seances, and a signature Goblin score. If dangling baby dolls and unresolved crimes are your idea of ambiance, this one’s got atmosphere to spare. A tipple of J&B Scotch is practically mandatory.
From the Vault

From the vault: Where there’s a giallo, there’s always a well-stocked bar of J&B Scotch.

Why Cult

Venetian Giallo Atmosphere

Set on an eerie island near Venice, the film serves up fog, cryptic locals, and shadowy intrigue in pure Italian style.

Goblin Music Score

The soundtrack is scored by Goblins, infusing scenes with their signature progressive rock eeriness.

Argento-Influenced Style

Fans of Deep Red will spot familiar visual flourishes, especially in the unnerving use of baby dolls and suspense-driven set pieces.

Classic Whodunnit Mystery

With an unsolved murder and a cast of suspicious islanders, this film ticks every box for whodunnit aficionados.

About This Film

The body of a schoolgirl is found in a meadow. The murderer is never caught, and years later; a young man named Stefano returns to the island and is reunited with his brother, the local priest. Typical giallo, highly influenced by Argento’s Deep Red, (especially the ending and some scenes with baby dolls hanging by their necks) with a music score by Goblins.

Film Details

Themes & Keywords

Female Nudity Murder Female Rear Nudity Female Topless Nudity Nudity Violence Female Frontal Nudity Blood Sex Scene Cult Film Gore Female Pubic Hair Bare Chested Male Male Rear Nudity Sadism Police

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Bloodstained Shadow about? +

The Bloodstained Shadow follows Stefano as he returns to a Venetian island years after a schoolgirl’s murder remains unsolved, reconnecting with his brother, the local priest, amid a series of mysterious events.

When was The Bloodstained Shadow released? +

The Bloodstained Shadow was released in 1978.

Who directed The Bloodstained Shadow? +

The Bloodstained Shadow was directed by Antonio Bido.

How long is The Bloodstained Shadow? +

The Bloodstained Shadow has a runtime of 109 minutes.

What genre is The Bloodstained Shadow? +

The Bloodstained Shadow is a crime, mystery, and thriller film.

Where can I watch The Bloodstained Shadow? +

The Bloodstained Shadow is available to stream on SassyFlix.