This post-apocalyptic film set in a bleak Southern California landscape, notable for its all-female cast, delivers fairly standard action sequences. A physician and researcher in a country ravaged by nuclear war (played by Robert Glaudini) journeys to an isolated desert community situated north of Los Angeles, seeking a solution to eradicate a newly emerged parasitic organism. Along the way, he encounters a group of desperate young criminals (under the direction of Luca Bercovici) and joins forces with a young woman portrayed by Demi Moore. However, a “merchant” connected to the government is pursuing him (James Davidson). “Parasite,” released in 1982, is a low-budget production from Charles Band costing $800,000 at the time, which translates to roughly $3 million when adjusted for inflation. The film borrows elements from the chestburster scene in “Alien” and combines them with the setting of the television movie “Where Have All the People Gone,” as well as “Mad Max.” It also incorporates aspects of the gang members found in "The Warriors" and touches of "Gargoyles." While it doesn’t possess the polished visuals associated with films like “Alien” or “Mad Max,” I found it more engaging than the rather dull “Where Have All the People Gone,” though certainly leaning into a comic book style. It's something I'd gladly watch instead of Roddenberry’s disappointing “Genesis II.” This was Demi Moore’s second film role, and she later described it in a 2019 interview as her worst cinematic experience. Cherie Currie also appeared early in her career, following her work in "Foxes," though unlike Moore, she didn't achieve significant success in movies. Those unfamiliar with the background might know that Cherie was the lead singer of The Runaways from 1975 to 1977. It’s worth noting Natalie May as well, who played Shell, a young girl. She appeared in three films before leaving acting, except for a brief return a decade later in several episodes of a British television series. “The Hidden,” which arrived five years afterward, clearly shows the influence of this film. While “The Hidden” is undeniably the superior movie, its budget was five times larger. The runtime is 1 hour and 25 minutes. Filming took place in the arid hills northeast of Los Angeles, specifically at Piru and Agua Dulce (Vasquez Rocks), with a forty-minute drive separating the two locations. GRADE: B-

Source on TMDB