‘Society’ Writer Peels Back the Layers of His ’80s Cult Classic in ‘The Darkside of Society’ Documentary

In 1989, Brian Yuzna made his directorial debut on Society. 35 years later, screenwriter Zeph E. Daniel peels back the layers to share his chilling truth behind the notorious cult classic in a new documentary. The Darkside of Society will be released digitally May 13 from Uncork’d Entertainment. Society‘s surreal and grotesque portrayal of elite depravity […] The post ‘Society’ Writer Peels Back the Layers of His ’80s Cult Classic in ‘The Darkside of Society’ Documentary appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

May 2, 2025 - 17:07
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‘Society’ Writer Peels Back the Layers of His ’80s Cult Classic in ‘The Darkside of Society’ Documentary

In 1989, Brian Yuzna made his directorial debut on Society. 35 years later, screenwriter Zeph E. Daniel peels back the layers to share his chilling truth behind the notorious cult classic in a new documentary.

The Darkside of Society will be released digitally May 13 from Uncork’d Entertainment.

Society‘s surreal and grotesque portrayal of elite depravity stunned audiences and secured its place as a horror essential. But while the film’s infamous “shunting” scene left an indelible mark on genre fans, its writer was enduring a very real psychological unraveling behind the scenes.

A raw, unfiltered examination of art, memory, and the dark corners of the creative process, the doc explores Daniel’s revelation that the film’s twisted plot was more autobiographical than he ever intended — a subconscious manifestation of repressed childhood trauma.

It features interviews with Yuzna, Society special effects designer Screaming Mad George, Color Out of Space director Richard Stanley, Warlock actor Julian Sands, former Fangoria editor Tony Timpone, Severin Films founder David Gregory, FrightFest co-director Alan Jones, and more.

“With built-in appeal for horror fans, cult movie lovers, and documentary audiences alike, The Darkside of Society delivers shocking revelations and a fresh perspective on a beloved genre classic,” says Uncork’d President Keith Leopard. “Zeph E. Daniel’s story is as unsettling as the film itself — a fascinating and deeply personal look at the creation of one of horror’s most unforgettable cult films. We’re excited to bring this revealing documentary to audiences everywhere.”

The Darkside of Society is directed by Larry Wade Carrell, Daniel’s producing partner at Crazed House. The duo recently collaborated on the horror films Girl Next and The Quantum Devil.

The post ‘Society’ Writer Peels Back the Layers of His ’80s Cult Classic in ‘The Darkside of Society’ Documentary appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.