The Ghost Dance (1982) – Peter F. Buffa.

While it happily never became a trope, the vengeful Indian spirit did inspire a number of quirkily inventive slashers, with 80s creepy curiosity The Ghost Dance arguably being one of the more entertaining examples. I'm no expert on the obscure mythologies of indigenous Americans, my scant knowledge is strictly second-hand, mostly from the likes of Olen Ray's cult slasher 'Scalps', but I still appreciate this mystic mode of supernaturally shamanistic slaughter. Regardless of the specific origin, in horror lore, ALL those who dabble in the profane mysteries of the occult often receive more than he, or she initially bargained for, as this ghastly Ghost Dancer sure 'ain't pussyfooting around! Seen today in its lushly remastered edition, Peter F. Buffa's compelling chiller The Ghost Dancer has more to offer horror fans than much of the dully recycled terror tripe of today.

Not dissimilar to vampire folklore, once they dig up the desiccated remains of renegade sorcerer Nahalla (Henry Bal), his vengefully resurrected spirit sinisterly stalks his victims in a host body, even supernaturally appropriating mesmerism/familiars, much like Stoker's immortal fiend. The Ghost Dance eschews the ubiquitous teen scream aesthetic, as the main protagonists are mature adults, with beautiful female anthropologist Dr. Kay (Julie Amato) providing for an intelligent, far more nuanced character than is so often the case. Another bonus is the moodily unhurried pace, allowing for a palpably eerie atmosphere to develop. While the stalk n' slash content is bloodily present, its modus operandi is considerably more refined than Voorhees's mostly monotonous minions. A forbidding atmosphere of dread, fine acting, Joseph Byrd's menacing score, picturesque desert locations, and a genuinely thrilling climax, allow me to highly recommend The Ghost Dance without a single reservation!