For those who love French cinema, cult films, or horror, there's a good chance you've heard of Jean Rollin (1938-2010). A French director, writer, and actor, Rollin was a unique figure in the world of fantastic cinema, known for his dreamlike, poetic, and often surreal films that blended horror, eroticism, and a distinct gothic atmosphere.
If you're looking to dive into his work, the free streaming service Tubi offers a surprising number of his films, providing a perfect entry point into his strange and beautiful world. Here's a look at some of the notable Rollin films you can find on Tubi, each a window into his signature style.
A Woman Kills (1968) 🔪
This early film, while not a "horror" in the traditional sense, showcases Rollin's artistic leanings. The plot follows a Parisian executioner, Louis Guilbeau, who develops a relationship with a female police investigator while a series of prostitute murders continues after the execution of the supposed killer. Rollin co-wrote the screenplay for this film, and its dark, psychological tone and moody atmosphere are a clear precursor to his later, more overtly fantastical work.
The Shiver of the Vampires (1971) 🦇
A quintessential Rollin vampire film, The Shiver of the Vampires tells the story of newlyweds who travel to a remote castle to visit a relative, only to find it inhabited by vampires. The film is less about traditional scares and more about creating a mystical, erotic, and melancholy mood. With its beautiful young women in flowing gowns and its focus on seduction and a sense of timeless decay, it's a prime example of Rollin's "vampire dream" aesthetic. It's a key part of his vampire filmography, which cemented his reputation in the genre.
Schoolgirl Hitchhikers (1973) 🚗
A curious departure from his usual genre, Schoolgirl Hitchhikers is a rare comedy from Rollin's filmography. It follows two young friends who get mixed up with a gang of thieves while camping. The movie offers a glimpse into a different side of his directorial work, one that's more playful and less somber than his horror output. Despite being a comedy, it still retains some of the offbeat, slightly surreal quality that defines his style.
The Grapes of Death (1978) 🧟♀️
This film is often cited as one of Rollin's most frightening and visceral. It's a different take on the zombie subgenre, where a tainted pesticide turns the residents of a small village into rabid, flesh-eating mutants. Unlike many zombie films, Rollin's creatures are not mindless drones; they are often aware of the horrible things they're doing, adding a tragic layer to the horror. The Grapes of Death is a great entry for those who want to see Rollin tackle a more conventional horror premise while still maintaining his unique, atmospheric touch.
The Living Dead Girl (1982) 🩸
A high point in Rollin's career, The Living Dead Girl is a powerful and bloody film about a wealthy heiress, Catherine, who is accidentally reanimated by spilled chemical waste. Her childhood friend, Hélène, discovers her and, in a twisted act of devotion, helps her procure the blood she needs to survive. The film is a tragic tale of friendship, obsession, and the horror of being a monster. It's one of his most beloved and critically acclaimed works, praised for its emotional depth and disturbing imagery. The film's ending is particularly memorable and often cited as one of the most powerful in horror history.
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