The Relic (1997), directed by Peter Hyams, is a sci-fi horror thriller that blends elements of supernatural mystery, monster horror, and police procedural. Based on the novel by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, it introduces audiences to the terrifying world of museum collections, curses, and ancient folklore. Although the film had mixed reviews upon release, it has developed a modest cult following among fans of 90s creature features. Here’s a detailed look at what makes The Relic stand out.

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Plot Summary

The film follows Dr. Margo Green (Penelope Ann Miller), an evolutionary biologist at the Field Museum in Chicago, and Detective Vincent D’Agosta (Tom Sizemore), a no-nonsense police detective, as they investigate a series of grisly murders inside the museum. The deaths coincide with the arrival of a mysterious shipment from South America, containing artifacts and an unusual fungus. Soon, they uncover a terrifying creature, the “Kothoga,” an ancient monster believed to have ties to tribal folklore. As it stalks the museum, killing any who come close, Green and D’Agosta must unravel its origins and find a way to stop it before it claims more lives.

Direction and Atmosphere

Peter Hyams, known for blending suspense with a dark, oppressive atmosphere, brings his signature visual style to The Relic. He capitalizes on the confined setting of the museum, which is a character in its own right, with its vast, dimly lit corridors, echoing footsteps, and lifeless artifacts. The museum, as Hyams presents it, is both majestic and menacing, a labyrinth of shadows and stone where something monstrous lurks around every corner. This contributes significantly to the film’s claustrophobic and tense mood.

The lighting and set design in The Relic create a gothic ambiance, reminiscent of classic horror films. Hyams effectively uses shadows to conceal the creature and heighten suspense, letting the viewer’s imagination run wild. This approach allows the tension to build gradually, delivering only glimpses of the creature until the final act. His choice to rely on practical effects over CGI (although CGI is present in some scenes) also gives the film a more tactile, visceral feel. While the visual effects may seem dated today, they were a technological marvel at the time and still retain a sense of rawness.

Creature Design and Effects

The creature, Kothoga, is one of the film’s highlights. Designed by the legendary Stan Winston, known for his work on Jurassic Park and Aliens, Kothoga is a nightmarish blend of different animals, with reptilian features, mammalian fangs, and insect-like qualities. Its design is both original and terrifying, making it feel like an evolution gone horribly wrong. Winston’s practical effects shine, especially in close-ups, where Kothoga’s slimy skin and gleaming eyes evoke genuine horror. Although some of the CGI effects show their age, the practical effects largely hold up, creating a creature that feels real and genuinely frightening.

Performances

Penelope Ann Miller as Dr. Margo Green brings a mix of intellect and vulnerability to her role. She convincingly portrays the gradual transition from a scientist driven by curiosity to a survivor battling a creature beyond her understanding. Miller’s character is refreshingly grounded for a horror protagonist; rather than being purely reactive, she contributes significantly to the unraveling of the creature’s origins and nature.

Tom Sizemore as Detective D’Agosta is both gritty and charismatic. D’Agosta is world-weary and skeptical, a character who has seen too much violence to be easily shocked. Sizemore injects a sense of realism into the role, balancing cynicism with subtle humor, which adds depth to his interactions with Green. Together, Miller and Sizemore create a dynamic that enhances the suspense and keeps the audience invested in their survival.

Pacing and Structure

The Relic does an excellent job of building suspense in its first half, introducing the mystery gradually, which keeps the audience guessing. However, the pacing does suffer somewhat in the middle act. The film spends considerable time establishing the museum’s setting, the characters, and the lore, which, while immersive, can make the plot feel slightly bogged down. For viewers who expect more immediate horror or action, this slower pacing may be frustrating. However, once the creature is revealed, the action picks up considerably, leading to an intense and chaotic third act.

The final showdown, set during a gala event, is a standout sequence, juxtaposing the refined, sophisticated backdrop of a black-tie event with the bloodthirsty rampage of the creature. This contrast elevates the tension and provides a fittingly dramatic climax, as Green and D’Agosta race against time to prevent more carnage.

Themes and Tone

One of the core themes in The Relic is humanity’s relationship with ancient knowledge and the consequences of meddling with it. The Kothoga is a product of ancient rituals and the dangers of science tampering with things beyond human understanding. The film plays on the fear of the unknown, using the setting of the museum—a place of preserved history and antiquity—as a symbol of humanity’s fascination with, and fear of, its past.

The tone of The Relic balances horror with a touch of adventure, and its reliance on suspense over gore appeals to fans of classic monster films rather than splatter horror. Although it incorporates scientific elements, the film doesn’t delve deeply into the science, focusing instead on creating a believable sense of danger and mystery around the unknown.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, The Relic received mixed reviews, with praise for its atmosphere, creature design, and suspense, but criticism for its pacing and thinly developed secondary characters. Over time, however, it has garnered a loyal fan base, particularly among those who appreciate the blend of creature feature and horror mystery. The film’s suspense-driven approach, practical effects, and atmospheric setting are often cited as aspects that have aged well, lending it a retro charm.

In conclusion, The Relic may not be a perfect film, but it delivers an engaging horror experience, particularly for fans of creature features with a touch of science fiction and folklore. The film’s strengths lie in its atmospheric visuals, inventive creature design, and commitment to suspense over gratuitous violence. It is a product of its time, embodying the 90s creature horror ethos, yet it remains a memorable entry in the genre, offering scares, mystery, and a unique setting that makes it worth revisiting.