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Control over nature and animals. And the revolt of the same. A theme always dear to the cinema that has seen several more or less interesting examples in every decade.
Among the directors who have tackled the subject is also Richard Franklin, a faithful disciple of Hitchcock, who here seems to be taking a "The Birds" route, which he strongly rejects, saying that it is based on "anthropological realities", rather than, as in the case of Hitchcock's film, on "fantasy" theories.
Franklin is right, because his film is a story of violent rebellion in an isolated Victorian villa in St. Abbs in Scotland (a location also used for other films). A film in which the Australian director tries to do everything right, starting with three primates, the absolute protagonists of the story who play their roles excellently.
At their side is the "sweetheart" of the time, Elisabeth Shue, already known for her role in "The Karate Kid" and looking forward to her role in "Back to the Future", who with her simplicity and innocence plays a role that sometimes borders on the ambiguous, even leading to a morbid nude scene that is perhaps the most famous of the film. Terence Stamp then in the role of a professor/scientist it is unclear whether he is mad, bad or simply interested in science. The fact is, he is very good in his role.

Elisabeth Shue plays a zoology student who offers herself as a summer assistant to Professor Philip, (Terence Stamp) who conducts experiments on primates.
The work takes place at the aforementioned Victorian mansion and with two chimpanzees and an orangutan. Imp, Voodoo and Link. The first is a nice young specimen, the second is a rather violent female and the third is a highly intelligent forty-five year old chimpanzee former circus attraction.
One day, however, after an experiment, there is a revolt by the three animals, led by Link who kills Voodoo. The professor then disappears, leaving Jane alone with Link and Imp, and with the former taking more and more control of the situation with violent actions perhaps due to the fact that he had realised he had to be killed.

The dramatic crescendo in the first part is interesting and well structured. But when the fight turns on it goes on for a long time and in fact the film does not grow any further. A stalemate that in the long run tires and somewhat spoils an interesting and above all well thought-out film.