Grab your fishing nets, your shotgun, and maybe a flamethrower, because we’re diving into the blood-soaked depths of Humanoids from the Deep (1980)—a film so gloriously unhinged, so shamelessly exploitative, that it makes Jaws look like Finding Nemo.
Directed by Barbara Peeters (until producer Roger Corman allegedly took over to add more nudity and gore, because of course he did), this is a movie where mutated fish-men rise from the ocean to rape, murder, and generally ruin a small coastal town’s weekend. It’s Creature from the Black Lagoon on crack, The Shape of Water gone horribly wrong, and one of the most deliriously entertaining monster flicks of the ‘80s.
The Plot (Or: “When Science and Sexploitation Collide”)
A shady corporation, Canco, is testing growth hormones on salmon in the sleepy fishing town of Noyo. Naturally, things go horrifically wrong, and the local Native American population (led by the always-great Vic Morrow) warns that the sea is angry. Too bad nobody listens, because soon half-fish, half-human mutants start crawling onto land, killing men, abducting women, and—in the film’s most infamous twist—impregnating them with their unholy spawn.
Our heroes?
- Jim Hill (Doug McClure), the square-jawed fisherman who just wants to protect his town (and his girlfriend).
- Dr. Susan Drake (Ann Turkel), the scientist who maybe should’ve double-checked those experiments.
- Johnny Eagle (Anthony Pena), the Native American activist who’s really tired of white people ignoring his warnings.
Together, they must stop the humanoids before the town’s annual Salmon Festival turns into a bloodbath—which, spoiler alert, it absolutely does.
Why This Movie Is a Sleazy Masterpiece
- The Monsters: Ugly, Slimy, and Perfect
These fish-men are practical effects gold—bulging eyes, gill-covered faces, and a habit of screeching like pissed-off dolphins. They’re ridiculous, they’re terrifying, and they commit to the bit. The scene where one bursts through a bathroom stall? Horror-comedy perfection. - Roger Corman’s Signature Touch (i.e., More Boobs, More Blood)
Originally, Peeters wanted a more serious ecological horror film. Then Corman stepped in and demanded more violence, more nudity, and more interspecies rape (yes, really). The result? A movie that’s equal parts social commentary and grindhouse excess. It shouldn’t work… but somehow, it does. - Doug McClure: The King of B-Movie Heroism
Fresh off The Land That Time Forgot, McClure brings his trademark dad energy to the role, scowling at mutants and delivering lines like “They’re not human… they’re things!” with absolute conviction. The man could make a grocery list sound dramatic. - The Salmon Festival Massacre
The climax is pure chaos—mutants storming a carnival, tearing apart teenagers, and setting the whole place on fire. It’s like Jaws: The Revenge if it had zero restraint and all the gore. The final shot of a mutant baby being born? Disturbing, unforgettable, and so Corman. - The Unintentional (?) Social Commentary
Buried under all the exploitation is a kinda smart critique of corporate greed, environmental destruction, and colonialism. The mutants are literally the ocean fighting back—Avatar wishes it had this much bite.
The Flaws (Because Even Cult Classics Aren’t Perfect)
- The Sexual Violence Is… A Lot
The rape scenes are brutal and haven’t aged well. Even by ‘80s standards, they feel gratuitous. - The Pacing Drags Between Kills
The first 30 minutes are heavy on setup, light on fish-men. Stick with it—the back half delivers. - That Ending Is Bonkers
Without spoiling it, let’s just say the final shot raises… questions.
The Verdict (Should You Take the Plunge?)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½ (3.5/5 – “A sleazy, gory, wildly entertaining creature feature that doesn’t apologize for what it is.”)
For:
- Fans of practical effects, grindhouse excess, and Doug McClure’s jawline.
- Creature feature addicts who love Piranha, The Fog, and Prophecy (1979).
- Anyone who’s ever wondered, “What if Deliverance… but with fish monsters?”
Against:
- Viewers sensitive to sexual violence or ‘80s exploitation tropes.
- Anyone expecting high art instead of cheesy, bloody fun.
Justin’s Final Thought:
Humanoids from the Deep is not for everyone, but if you love unapologetic B-movie madness, it’s a must-watch. It’s gross, it’s ridiculous, and it’s exactly what Roger Corman wanted it to be. Stream it with friends, some cheap beer, and a strong stomach.
Pair With: Piranha (1978) for more Corman-produced aquatic horror, or The Beast Within (1982) for another WTF ‘80s creature feature.
Sound off below! Team Humanoid or Team “Burn the Whole Town Down”? And how do you feel about ‘80s horror’s… complicated relationship with exploitation? 🐟🔪
