The Stuff (1985) – How It Holds Up Over Time
Larry Cohen, a quintessential New York filmmaker, was a true master of versatility throughout his remarkable career. He deftly moved between blaxploitation, comedy, thrillers, action, and horror — often simultaneously wearing the hats of producer, writer, and director. His understanding of the material was profound. While many of his films, like A Return to Salem’s Lot and It’s Alive III, have sparked spirited defenses among fans and critics alike, some of his directorial efforts require no defense at all. Movies such as It’s Alive and Q the Winged Serpent are not only entertaining creature features brimming with impressive effects but also contain surprisingly rich social commentary. But here’s where it gets controversial: when talking about Cohen’s movies with biting messages, no discussion is complete without mentioning his 1985 cult classic The Stuff. This film skewers consumerism, government exploitation, health fads, and advertising — yet it was mistakenly marketed as a straight horror flick, drastically cut down, and only saw a limited theatrical release. Despite that, it has managed to linger in cult consciousness for over four decades. But does The Stuff truly hold up to scrutiny today, or has time worn it down?
The Storyline
The Stuff is a satirical comedy horror film from 1985, both written and directed by Larry Cohen. Distributed by New World Pictures, known for Roger Corman’s shrewd knack for quick profits, it features an eclectic cast including Michael Moriarty, Paul Sorvino, Danny Aiello, Andrea Marcovicci, and Garrett Morris. Michael Moriarty, a four-time Emmy winner and frequent collaborator with Cohen, anchors the film perfectly. Fans of Cohen’s work have seen Moriarty in A Return to Salem’s Lot, Q the Winged Serpent, It’s Alive III, and even one episode of Cohen’s Masters of Horror. Paul Sorvino, widely recognized for Goodfellas and Cruising, delivers one of his best performances here as Mo Rutherford—a slick, sly corporate espionage agent with just the right blend of charm and jerkiness.
The rest of the cast exudes that unmistakable Larry Cohen flavor: not famous names, but perfectly cast character actors radiating “That Guy” energy. Interestingly, Arsenio Hall was originally tapped for the role of Chocolate Chip Charlie, but the studio opted for Garrett Morris, believing he had greater name recognition. Morris later admitted he didn’t enjoy the shoot and declined to comment publicly on Cohen, implying mixed feelings.
Filming took place briskly from late August to September 1984 in New York and Los Angeles, with post-production wrapping early the following year. Cohen’s inspiration for the film stemmed from his growing disgust with rampant consumerism and corporate greed, especially regarding the mass-produced foods dominating American diets.
The plot kicks off with a mysterious, delicious, and addictive substance oozing from the ground at a quarry in Georgia. Soon, "The Stuff" becomes a nationwide craze, accompanied by aggressive marketing campaigns. A young boy named Jason discovers that this seemingly harmless treat is actually a living organism. He desperately tries to warn his family and the public while sabotaging its sales in local grocery stores. Meanwhile, former FBI agent turned corporate spy Mo Rutherford aims to steal the secret formula for another company. Along with advertising expert Nicole and Jason, Mo uncovers that The Stuff is extraterrestrial, creating a parasitic bond that zombifies likers into mindless consumers.
Despite The Stuff defending itself fiercely, Mo manages, with retired colonel Malcolm Spears’s help, to shut down the distribution and expose the terrifying truth. However, two major corporations merge to create "The Taste," a new product mixing 88% ice cream with 12% Stuff to continue fooling consumers—and profiting. Mo puts an end to this too, but The Stuff doesn’t disappear; it simply goes underground, becoming a shadowy street drug. The studio’s insistence on branding the film as straightforward horror led to significant cuts, particularly to its comedic elements, which ironically confused audiences. Although its theatrical run was brief and modest, the film recouped its $1.7 million budget through home video and grew into a cult cult classic.
Capturing the 80s Vibe
The film reeks of the 1980s in ways that make it a fascinating time capsule. Jason’s bedroom at the start is a perfect snapshot of an 80s boy’s room—posters of bands and movies, toys, even the style of the bed. This room alone is what contemporary filmmakers would study to recreate an authentic 80s child’s space. The commercials sprinkled throughout the movie, whether catchy musical jingles or conventional food ads, could easily compete with real advertisements from the era. They perfectly illustrate the aggressive marketing culture that Cohen was targeting. Even the appearance of the "Where’s the beef?" lady, revived here for The Stuff campaign, proves a clever, satirical twist on 80s marketing madness.
This is pure Larry Cohen at his core. A filmmaker deeply rooted in New York, surrounded by a familiar cast oozing New York attitude, who simply made the movie he wanted to make—talking about important issues like consumerism, corporate greed, and government cover-ups, all while keeping his trademark dark humor and thrills. If you want to see the uncut version, the newly released 4K Arrow edition includes the original workprint—an essential watch for fans. The special effects are a mixed bag, showcasing both impressively practical effects and some outdated compositing shots that struggle to convince.
What Still Works Today?
When it comes to 80s practical effects, The Stuff holds its own. While it might not reach the legendary heights of The Thing, Re-Animator, or Day of the Dead, many sequences remain genuinely memorable. The scene where The Stuff pours out of the hotel bed or when Chocolate Chip Charlie’s head explosively detonates are effects that hold up remarkably well and can even be enjoyed without context. The depiction of The Stuff itself—its unsettling movements and eerie alien sounds—maintains enough horror to keep the film anchored in that genre despite its comedic leanings.
Michael Moriarty shines with his uniquely abrasive yet charismatic performance, perfectly embodying a flawed hero aware of his own moral ambiguity. The witty script features lines such as “You aren’t as dumb as you appear to be,” followed by the brilliant retort, “Nobody is as dumb as I appear to be,” showcasing the sharp dialogue that enhances its appeal. Cohen’s themes of consumer manipulation and government conspiracy resonate arguably even stronger today than they did in the 1980s, making the movie a highly rewatchable and thought-provoking experience.
What Falls Flat?
Despite some standout performances, certain supporting characters, like Jason and his family, occasionally drift into awkward territory—either forgetting they are acting or wildly overdoing their scenes. Even Moriarty's fight sequences against The Stuff have an unintentionally campy feel, reminiscent of Bela Lugosi’s exaggerated style in classic monster movies. Additionally, some special effects haven’t aged gracefully; the pool of The Stuff scene stands out for its unconvincing, almost laughable appearance under the scrutiny of the pristine 4K restoration.
The soundtrack and sound effects also leave something to be desired, feeling sparse or cheap compared to the visual efforts. It appears the modest budget prioritized effects over audio, a compromise that arguably undermined the film’s full impact. Finally, pacing issues emerge, in part due to the heavy editing and studio pressure to transform it into a pure horror film. Original comedic moments that once gave the film a natural rhythm are missing, resulting in occasionally sluggish sections. However, any dull moments are often offset by the film’s quirky charm.
Final Thoughts
The Stuff is more than just a movie that's survived the test of time—it has arguably become sharper and more relevant with age. If Larry Cohen represents the spirit of independent filmmaking with a social conscience, then The Stuff stands as his magnum opus, an audacious critique of consumer culture, greed, and corporate deception that hits harder now than in the age of excess where it debuted. While it’s not perfect, with some pacing flaws and uneven effects, it remains an underrated 80s treasure packed with personality and biting satire. Watching the fully restored 4K Arrow release is highly recommended for both newcomers and longtime fans.
So, the question remains: in the case of The Stuff, is there truly such a thing as too much? Or is this cult classic an unquenchable delight that earns the saying, “enough is never enough”?
What do you think? Does The Stuff’s social commentary still resonate, or is it a product of its time that doesn’t hold up? Share your thoughts—do you see it as a genius satire or just an overhyped 80s oddity?
A few past episodes of The Test of Time can be found on the JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel, where you can subscribe and explore more forgotten gems and cult classics.
