Fresh out of the psychiatric ward, Jessica moves to a peaceful lake house but finds a mysterious young woman already living there who she begins to believe is a vampire.

My October marathon picks are predominantly movies I haven’t seen. My relied upon sources (cooler people with better taste) often come through with a recommendation that totally resonates. This year that film was LET’S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH (1971), a downbeat, dreamy thriller about a fragile woman facing a grave danger with nobody around to believe her.

Segue-ing back into “normal” life after a stint at a psychiatric care facility, Jessica flees the claustrophobic bustle of the post-hippie city life and relocates to the quiet countryside with her husband Duncan and friend Wally. Upon arrival, they discover Emily, a mysterious young woman, squatting in their home. They invite her to share dinner where she eventually woos the group into allowing her to stay longer. 

The friends spend their time swimming, avoiding the hostile locals and exploring the neighboring apple grove, but over time, whispering voices stir up Jessica’s paranoia: why is a young girl following her from a distance, who tried to drown her in the water, was the antiques dealer right about a local vampire? Desperate to avoid signs of relapse, Jessica remains cordial despite her swirling fears that Emily is seducing everyone around her. “Don’t tell them. They won’t believe you.”

LET’S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH treats mental illness with empathy, and a graceful performance from Zohra Lampert portrays Jessica’s sadness elegantly. Deeply affecting and full of dread, let this 70’s vampire mood piece seduce you like it did me.