Watch Crawlspace

In the 1986 horror movie Crawlspace, Klaus Kinski stars as Karl Guenther, a seemingly kind and harmless elderly man who is actually a diabolical killer. The film follows the story of Lori Bancroft (Talia Balsam), a young woman who moves into an apartment complex managed by Karl. From the moment Lori moves in, things start to feel off. She hears strange noises coming from the walls and floors of her apartment at night. Then, she discovers that Karl has been spying on her through secret peepholes in the walls. As Lori delves deeper into Karl's twisted world, she discovers that he is not only a voyeur but also a sadistic murderer who has been using the building's crawlspaces to hide his victims.

Barbara Whinnery plays the role of Martha, Karl's trusting yet disturbed sister who lives with him. As Lori becomes more and more determined to expose Karl's true nature, Martha becomes increasingly anxious about her brother's behavior and struggles to keep her own secrets hidden.

Tension builds throughout the movie as Lori tries to catch Karl in the act of killing while also fighting for her own survival. Crawlspace excels in its use of suspense and gore, with Kinski delivering a chilling performance as a psychopath whose murderous tendencies are fueled by his own twisted desires.

Despite its low budget, Crawlspace manages to create a sense of claustrophobia and dread, with most of the action taking place within the confines of the apartment complex. The film's use of shadow and light, combined with its eerie score, creates a haunting atmosphere that adds to the overall sense of unease.

There are several subplots within Crawlspace, including Lori's budding romance with one of the other tenants, the building's shady superintendent, and Karl's rocky relationship with his sister. These subplots add depth and complexity to the story, drawing the viewer further into the twisted world of the apartment complex.

As the story progresses, the tension builds to a bloody and intense climax, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. Crawlspace is a classic horror film that still holds up today, with its inventive concept, strong performances, and effective use of suspense and gore.