Il sorriso della iena

Name: Il sorriso della iena
Released: 1970

1972 Not Rated 1h 29m

6.1/10

In this unsettling Italian giallo, a teenage girl returns to her family home after her mother’s suspicious suicide, only to find her stepfather and a mysterious female photographer have taken over the house. As she tries to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death, she becomes entangled in a web of psychological manipulation and hidden desires. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the line between reality and nightmare blurs in this slow-burn thriller that keeps you guessing until the final frame. With its eerie cinematography and unsettling performances, ‘Il sorriso della iena’ is a haunting exploration of grief, obsession, and the darkness lurking within domestic spaces.

Directors

Silvio Amadio

Writers

Francesco Di Dio, Francesco Merli, Silvio Amadio

Stars

Francesco Di Dio, Francesco Merli, Rosalba Neri, Silvio Amadio

Language

Italian

Country

Italy

Production

Condor International Productions, Domizia Cinematografica

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Il sorriso della iena about?

In this unsettling Italian giallo, a teenage girl returns to her family home after her mother's suspicious suicide, only to find her stepfather and a mysterious female photographer have taken over the house. As she tries to uncover the truth behind her mother's death, she...

When was Il sorriso della iena released?

Il sorriso della iena was released in 1970.

Where can I stream Il sorriso della iena?

Check local streaming services and digital release platforms for Il sorriso della iena availability.

User Reviews

GialloGoblin – 7/10

“A hidden gem of Italian horror. The moody atmosphere and eerie score really got under my skin. The plot is a bit convoluted, but the tension never lets up. I loved the twisted dynamics between the characters.”

ScreamQueen74 – 5/10

“I appreciate what it was trying to do, but it felt slow and the twist didn't quite land for me. Some creepy moments, but the acting was a bit wooden. Not the best giallo I've seen, but not the worst either.”

VHS_Vampire – 6/10

“This one has a great unsettling vibe, but the pacing drags in the middle. The photographer character was genuinely creepy, and the ending left me thinking. For fans of psychological horror, it's worth a watch.”

PulsePounder – 8/10

“I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. The cinematography is gorgeous and the slow burn really paid off for me. It's more about dread than jumpscares, which I appreciate. Definitely underrated.”