Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Blob (1988)’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Science has brought forth some incredible discoveries and benefits for mankind over the years. We have uncovered secrets that have given us unprecedented views of the galaxy and an understanding of who and what we are on a molecular level. It has led to breakthroughs that have managed to save countless lives.

Yet. There is still a fear of science. Specifically, when it comes to the unknown. For while it benefits us, it takes time to fully uncover the results of a brand-new discovery and it is that unknown, of what could come about from said discovery, be it good or bad, that engenders fear and sparks debate. It also inspires the imagination since the films of the 1950's were often focused on science that had gone wrong, and that vivid concept managed to find its way into the 80’s as well, courtesy of the 1988 remake of a 50's classic...The Blob.

The town of Arborville has an unexpected visitor one fine evening. A meteor has landed and aboard it, is the stuff of nightmares. A gelatinous and somewhat sentient Blob has emerged from the meteor and has begun to feed on the residents of the town. Only two of the townspeople, Meg and Bryan, know the truth about this creature, that it is a science experiment in biological warfare gone wrong and the military will stop at nothing to protect their weapon even if it means the loss of everyone in Arborville.

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​The first thing I noticed about The Blob upon my first viewing was the sheer bleakness that blankets the film and the viewer. By setting the movie in the middle of nowhere, there is a sense of isolation that quickly turns to hopelessness as the motion picture progresses. The characters are truly cut off. The military is on one end, the Blob on the other and all that remains is pure fear.  

That classical approach to horror as a whole already makes for an entertaining ride, but this is a film where credit is also due to some outstanding special effects. The Blob itself manages to go beyond a simple blob of goo that covers people. It is a predator, slinking about and waiting for its unfortunate victims, and the kills that it pulls off are nothing short of spectacular. You watch the characters go out in horrible fashion, slowly dissolved right before your eyes.  

But perhaps the best twist to this film is indeed the fact that The Blob is a bioweapon. That little tweak to the story made for a whole new dynamic. Our quest for knowledge backfired in this motion picture and while the morality of this isn't touched upon too much, the end result leads to an incredible action-packed finale that will absolutely take your breath away. This is a gem of a movie that is absolutely worth watching. Get your hands on it as soon as you can, because this is a smart, scary and intense horror film that deserves to be rediscovered. 

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