Island of Terror (1966) – Review

What happens when science goes too far? If you guessed “boneless corpses and Peter Cushing looking concerned,” then you may have seen the Island of Terror. This British sci-fi horror film, directed by Terence Fisher, is a solid blend of atmospheric tension, eerie practical effects, and that charmingly stiff-upper-lip British horror vibe of the era.

On a small, isolated island off the coast of Ireland, a team of scientists is conducting some top-secret research in a lab that – as horror movie tradition dictates – is clearly up to no good. The story kicks off when local Dr. Reginald Landers (Eddie Byrne) stumbles upon a mystery most macabre: the corpse of a local farmer, but wait—he has no bones. That’s right, he’s turned into a human jelly sack. Understandably freaked out, Landers calls in the big guns—Dr. Brian Stanley (Peter Cushing) and Dr. David West (Edward Judd), a pair of scientists who specialize in things science-y and are just the kind of guys you want investigating a boneless murder, are called in to investigate. 

“I hope it’s not vampires. I hate vampires.”

The duo, along with the wealthy and charming Toni Merrill (Carole Gray), head to the island, where they quickly realize they’re dealing with something truly terrifying—giant, tentacled, turtle-like monsters called “Silicates.” What they discover is the work of monstrous, blob-like creatures called “Silicates,” an accidental byproduct of scientific experimentation gone horribly wrong. Once again, horror movies remind us that when scientists say, “This experiment will change the world!” they actually mean, “This experiment will turn people into Jell-O and release death turtles upon civilization.”

“Yes, there was definitely mad science going on here.”

As our heroes delve into the mystery, they uncover a horrifying truth: a scientist’s experiment to cure cancer has gone terribly wrong, resulting in the creation of these silicate creatures—tentacled, shell-like monstrosities that kill by draining calcium from their victims’ bodies. These creatures multiply rapidly, devouring the calcium from their victims and leaving behind limp, rubbery husks. As the creatures multiply and the island’s inhabitants are picked off one by one, Stanley, West, and the remaining survivors must devise a plan to destroy them before they spread beyond the island.

This “science” may not cure cancer, but it’s a great weight loss tool.

In one of the film’s most hilariously brutal moments, Dr. Stanley’s hand is seized by a tentacle and “BAM,” Dr. West is all “CHOP OFF HIS HAND!” No anesthetic, no hesitation—just a quick “Well, that’s gotta go” before whack with an axe. And then they go right back to business like it was a normal Tuesday. No matter what happens, Peter Cushing remains impeccably composed. Discovering a boneless corpse? Calmly inspects it. Realizing there are dozens of monsters? Sips tea and formulates a plan. Nearly dying in the finale? Slightly concerned but still dignified. The man could teach a masterclass in keeping it together.

“Could I bother someone for a cup of tea?”

Stray Observations:

• The terrifying, bone-slurping monsters shuffle along at roughly the speed of a Roomba with a dying battery. Yet somehow, they still manage to sneak up on people! It’s like watching someone lose a race to a moving ottoman.
• The entire village population is sheltering in a building, yet there appear to be no children. Is this a strange village of grown-ups only?
• When faced with an invasion of slow-moving, bone-dissolving creatures, you’d think someone would suggest leaving the island. But nope, apparently this island doesn’t even have a rowboat.
• Science creating creatures that stalk the inhabitants of a small community, draining them of important body parts, has a definite Fiend Without a Face vibe to it.
• Despite being top-tier researchers, Cushing and company have the survival instincts of a horror movie extra. They prod corpses, pick up suspicious goo, and get way too close to the monsters before realizing, “Oh no, they’re dangerous!” It’s like a masterclass in bad decision-making.

Cushing is the epitome of the British Badass.

Let’s be honest, the Silicates look like rubbery turtle shells with vacuum cleaner hoses attached, but the way they move and the eerie sound design make them unsettling, and the idea of having your bones liquefied by a slow-moving nightmare is far creepier than the actual execution, which does veer towards the goofy looking. That said, for 1966, the effects are surprisingly effective, plus, there’s an unsettling realism to how the islanders deal with this threat—desperation and scientific curiosity in equal measure – and it provides some solid moments of tension. One of the biggest strengths of Island of Terror is its eerie setting. The foggy, isolated island, combined with the creeping dread of an unseen menace, gives the film an almost Gothic horror feel, and it’s safe to say that Terence Fisher, best known for his Hammer horror films, knows how to build suspense with limited resources.

These creatures somehow manage to be both silly and creepy-looking.

Peter Cushing, as always, elevates the material. Even when faced with rubbery, tentacled monstrosities, he remains the ultimate professional—charming, intelligent, and always with a plan. Even when he’s delivering ridiculous lines about boneless corpses, he makes it sound absolutely believable. Edward Judd as Dr. West is a solid co-lead, bringing some charm and courage to the mix, though he lacks the charisma of Cushing, and Carole Gray adds some damsel-in-distress moments, though her character isn’t given much to do beyond looking terrified. She is the poster girl for why you shouldn’t bring a girlfriend on an expedition to investigate strange and unusual deaths.

This kind of thing never happens in Cancun.

In conclusion, Island of Terror is a classic example of ’60s sci-fi horror: eerie, imaginative, and a little goofy, but never dull. The concept alone is chilling, even if the execution occasionally borders on laughable. Despite its modest budget and occasionally dated effects, the film delivers a gripping, eerie experience, so if you love vintage horror, classic British sci-fi, or just want to see Peter Cushing battle bone-slurping abominations, this one is worth the watch.