Elvira: Mistress of the Dark was a box office success, grossing over $5 million in the United States alone. The film got mixed reviews, with some critics praising Peterson’s performance and the humor in the film, while others criticized the film for its predictable storyline and lack of originality.
The film opens with Elvira, a late-night TV hostess, getting fired from her job for refusing to sleep with the station’s sleazy owner. With no job and no prospects, Elvira decides to visit a small town in Massachusetts, where she has inherited a mansion from her deceased great-aunt Morgana.
Upon arrival, Elvira discovers that the townspeople are not as welcoming as she had hoped. The conservative town, led by the uptight Chastity Pariah, views Elvira’s revealing attire and free-spirited attitude as a threat to their way of life.
Despite the townspeople’s hostility, Elvira decides to stay and use her inheritance to open a horror-themed nightclub. However, her plans hit a snag when she discovers that her great-aunt’s recipe book, which she had planned to use to create signature cocktails for her club, is missing.
To make matters worse, Elvira discovers that her great-aunt’s sinister former lover, Vincent Talbot, is also in town and is determined to get his hands on Morgana’s recipe book. As Elvira tries to outmaneuver Talbot and retrieve the book, she discovers a shocking secret about her family’s past.
The film’s humor largely stems from the contrast between Elvira’s sultry, confident persona and the conservative, buttoned-up town. Peterson’s performance as Elvira is a highlight of the film, with her quick wit and wordplay keeping the audience engaged throughout the film’s runtime.
The film’s plot is fairly predictable, with typical horror movie tropes such as the hidden family secret and the menacing villain being used. However, these plot elements serve the film’s purpose of providing a backdrop for Elvira’s antics and providing ample opportunities for jokes and one-liners.
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark is also noteworthy for its exploration of gender and sexuality. Elvira, with her revealing attire and sexually liberated attitude, is a subversion of traditional gender roles and expectations. The film’s villain, Vincent Talbot, is also portrayed as a sexually deviant character, subverting the typical macho hero archetype.
In conclusion, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark is a charming and humorous horror-comedy film that showcases Cassandra Peterson’s iconic character. While the film’s plot may be predictable at times, the humor and gender exploration make it a worthwhile watch. Fans of Elvira and horror-comedy films in general should definitely give this cult classic a watch.