Three couples from Seattle charter a small plane to commemorate an anniversary shared by the pilot and his wife. However, mechanical issues lead them to make an emergency landing on a secluded island within Puget Sound, where they encounter a peculiar family—Rod Steiger portrays the head of this household. The question becomes whether any of these visitors will survive their ordeal. “American Gothic” (1987) seems to borrow elements from several films: it combines the unsettling rural inhabitants found in “Deliverance” (1972) with a plot reminiscent of “Humongous” (1982), and incorporates the strict religious beliefs seen in “Carrie” (1976). The initial portion suggests an experience similar to “Out of Control” (1984), but the story shifts toward horror during its second half, though it's not quite like a typical slasher film from the 80s. There are also echoes of "April Fool’s Day" (1986). The movie isn’t without some awkward moments; one example is when Jeff touches his wife’s shoulder despite knowing she’s emotionally vulnerable and trapped in an unfamiliar home on a remote island. There's also the possibility that the focus on the family’s devotion to the Bible could be problematic, but I don’t see it as being critical of Christianity because Jesus himself condemned some religious leaders who were very familiar with scripture, calling them children of the devil (John 8:44). It demonstrates that simply claiming belief doesn't guarantee authenticity. To illustrate, if someone claims to *be* a car while standing in a garage, does that make it true? Ultimately, this film appears to be more about commentary on isolation, stubborn refusal to learn, rigid adherence to religious doctrine, and perhaps even the consequences of interbreeding. Caroline Barclay is memorable as blonde Terri, while Sarah Torgov delivers an effective performance as Cynthia. Fiona Hutchison deserves recognition, although her character, Lynne, is a bit of a (believable) unpleasant person. Yvonne De Carlo also appears as the matriarch of the island family. It’s reasonably enjoyable, but I think “Humongous” and “Out of Control” are better films. The film has a running time of 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was filmed in Vancouver (standing in for Seattle) and Bowen Island, located just northwest of Vancouver. The scenes set in an asylum at the beginning were shot at Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam, which is to the east of the city. GRADE: B-

Source on TMDB