I guarantee that Eligio Herrero's Human Animals (1983) will be unlike any post-apocalyptic film you have ever seen. It's best described as a sexploitation arthouse film filled to the brim with both sleaze and earnest philosophizing in equal measure.
The world has been destroyed by nuclear bombs (depicted with stock footage at the beginning of the film) and all that survived is three people. A beautiful blond woman (Carole Kirkham), her brother (Geir Indvard), and a tough looking burly man (José Yepes). The woman and her brother are dressed up for what looks to be a fancy party and their companion looks like he's the lead singer in a rock band. All three of them seemed to have lost their memories as well as the ability to speak. They communicate with yelps and grunts. There is zero spoken dialogue in the entire film.
Essentially, humanity has received a reboot after the catastrophe and the trio have to restart the human experience from scratch. At first things start innocently enough with a search for food and shelter (and a harrowing confrontation with a bunch of wayward crabs on the beach) but as their basic needs are satisfied, other more pressing and unsavory urges develop. The woman becomes the sexual fixation of both of the men and both of them eventually sexually assault her and fight over "ownership". In a grotesque twist, they find a stray dog in their travels and he also is included in the sexual competition. If you are keeping track that is rape, incest, and bestiality all in one shocking package.
On paper this sounds pretty gnarly, but in execution, the material is treated seriously. There is a lot of sex depicted, seemingly just for titillation, but at the same time, it's fascinating to watch these characters devolve over time and embrace their primal urges. They shed their clothes and don animal skins. They live in the wilderness and enjoy simple pleasures like swimming nude in the ocean. Perhaps they could have even been happy if the intrinsic problems that humans possess didn't rear their ugly heads.
Visually, the film is excellent looking with gorgeous cinematography and breathtaking vistas. The music and sound design is interesting too with it's mixture of progressive rock/synths and gibberish yelping. Human Animals is definitely worth a look for those who are interested in post-apocalyptic fare and oddities.
Transfer:
Other than a few jittery scenes that were baked into the negative due to camera issues, the transfer on Mondo Macabro's release is crystal clear with excellent color saturation.
Extras:
There is an hour long interview with director Eligio Herrero that is very informative and covers both the history of releasing genre films in Spain as well as Herrero's experience making and releasing Human Animals. Ismael Fernández's written essay on Clasificada 'S (essentially Spain's version of R or adults only) is extensive and engaging.
Mondo Macabro Special Features:
Brand new 4k transfer from film negative
Interview with film’s director-writer-producer
Mondo Macabro previews
Essay by Spanish film expert Ismael Fernández on Clasificada 'S
--Michelle Kisner