BLOOD SUCKING FREAKS / FREAK OUT DOUBLE FEATURE
"Joel M. Reed loved gore and sex, and his fans loved him for it." — The New York Times
Troma's Blood Sucking Freaks (1976)
Director: Joel M. Reed
Unrated Director's Cut, 88 mins.
Blood Sucking Freaks on the big screen— one of the most notorious cult films in horror history, a shocking and boundary-pushing exploitation classic that has left an indelible mark on underground cinema. Directed by Joel M. Reed, the film gained instant infamy for its grotesque depictions of torture, sadism, and dark humor, becoming a staple in the grindhouse circuit of the 1970's. Despite (or perhaps because of) its controversial content, Blood Sucking Freaks achieved cult status, resonating with fans of transgressive cinema who embraced its audacity and surreal depravity. Its influence on the horror and exploitation genres cannot be overstated. As one of the most talked-about films of its time, Blood Sucking Freaks helped define the extreme limits, paving the way for later shock-horror directors. Revered by horror aficionados and embraced by counterculture, the film’s relentless descent into madness continues to inspire filmmakers seeking to push the boundaries of taste, horror, and exploitation. Decades after its release, Blood Sucking Freaks remains a symbol of rebellion in cinema—an unapologetic exploration of the grotesque that still sparks debates, draws midnight movie crowds, and influences underground filmmakers worldwide.
Freak Out: The Joel M. Reed Story (2024) - NYC Premiere
Narrated by Carey Means (Frylock in Aqua Teen Hunger Force), Music by David Lynch
Director: Kevin Sean Michaels
Unrated, 60 mins.
Freak Out: The Joel M. Reed Story delves into the bizarre and twisted career of Joel M. Reed, the underground filmmaker who went from softcore pornography to making horror films, but Reed's controversial and boundary-pushing films shocked audiences and challenged societal taboos. But it was his leap into horror during the 1970s, with cult classics like *Blood Sucking Freaks” and “Night of the Zombies” that cemented his legacy as one of the most subversive directors of his time. Told by the “Master” himself, Freak Out: The Joel M. Reed Story explores his unapologetic approach to filmmaking, highlighting how he thrived in the grindhouse circuit while being simultaneously vilified and celebrated. The documentary also shines a light on the cultural impact of his work, examining how Reed’s lurid tales mirrored the moral decay and fears of the era, and why his films continue to haunt and fascinate cult audiences today. With never-before-seen footage, rare behind-the-scenes stories, music videos and a candid look at Reed’s life off-camera, Freak Out: The Joel M. Reed Story paints a vivid bloody portrait.