
Catacombs 1988
"Life After Death After Death..."
David Schmoeller's eerie 1988 horror film, *Catacombs*, unfolds in the shadowy catacombs beneath an Italian monastery where a centuries-old demon has been trapped by monks—until an unsuspecting teacher, Elizabeth Magrino, unknowingly unleashes its wrath during her research.
Director: David Schmoeller
Cast









Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catacombs (1988) about?
*Catacombs* follows Elizabeth Magrino, a modern-day schoolteacher who visits a remote Italian monastery to research its history. Unaware that the monks once trapped a demon in its catacombs centuries ago, she inadvertently releases the malevolent entity. As the demon's presence takes hold, the monks and Elizabeth must confront an ancient evil that refuses to stay buried.
Who directed Catacombs?
The film was directed by David Schmoeller, known for blending psychological and supernatural horror.
Who stars in Catacombs?
The film features Tim Van Patten, Laura Schaefer, Ian Abercrombie, Jeremy West, and Vernon Dobtcheff as central characters.
Is Catacombs (1988) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *Catacombs* offers a tight, atmospheric 84-minute horror experience with strong gothic undertones. Fans of slow-burn supernatural thrillers will appreciate its historical setting and creeping dread. Just don't expect jump scares—this is horror built on tension and dread.
How long is Catacombs?
The runtime of *Catacombs* is 84 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Catacombs (1988) — A Demon's Curse Beneath Italian Monastery Stones
David Schmoeller's eerie 1988 horror film, *Catacombs*, unfolds in the shadowy catacombs beneath an Italian monastery where a centuries-old demon has been trapped by monks—until an unsuspecting teacher, Elizabeth Magrino, unknowingly unleashes its wrath during her research. As the demon's presence stirs unrest among the current monks, their quiet sanctuary transforms into a battleground of ancient evil and modern fear. The film drips with gothic atmosphere, weaving themes of supernatural intrusion, historical guilt, and the fragility of human safety against forces beyond time. With its claustrophobic setting and slow-burn dread, *Catacombs (1988)* delivers a cult-classic chiller that lingers long after the credits roll.
Grounded in classic horror tropes yet elevated by Schmoeller's atmospheric direction, the movie balances ritualistic dread with a grounded narrative. Key cast members like Tim Van Patten and Laura Schaefer anchor the unfolding terror as Elizabeth and the monks confront a menace they never anticipated. The result is a tight, 84-minute descent into the supernatural—a must-watch for fans of slow-burn horror that thrives on unseen dread and historical mystery.