The Mafu Cage (1978)
Few films capture the eerie blend of psychological horror and deep emotional trauma quite like The Mafu Cage (1978). This disturbing yet mesmerizing film, directed by Karen Arthur, is an unsettling tale of madness, obsession, and sisterly dependence. With its unique atmosphere and intense performances, the movie stands out as an overlooked gem from the late 1970s.
Plot
The story follows sisters Ellen (Lee Grant) and Cissy (Carol Kane), who live in seclusion in a Los Angeles mansion once owned by their late anthropologist father. Cissy, mentally unstable and obsessed with primates, keeps a succession of pet monkeys—referred to as “mafus”—in a cage within the house. 
Ellen, the more rational of the two, struggles to care for her sister while also attempting to build a life of her own. As Cissy’s delusions grow, so does her violent unpredictability, leading to tragic and disturbing consequences.
Notable Scenes
One of the film’s most haunting scenes involves Cissy’s ritualistic interaction with her pet mafu. 
Her erratic behavior—both childlike and menacing—escalates into shocking violence. Another unforgettable moment occurs when Ellen’s attempts to introduce a romantic interest into their lives backfire, setting off Cissy’s possessive rage in a way that permanently alters their relationship.
Making of the Mafu Cage
Directed by Karen Arthur, The Mafu Cage is based on the play Toi et Tes Nuages by Eric Westphal. The film’s eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere is amplified by its limited setting and striking production design. The cinematography and score add to the film’s unsettling mood, making it a unique entry in the psychological horror genre. 
Despite its artistry, The Mafu Cage never received widespread recognition, likely due to its disturbing subject matter and unconventional storytelling.
Our View on the Movie
While The Mafu Cage is not a traditional horror film, its exploration of psychological instability and obsession is deeply unsettling. Carol Kane delivers a chilling performance, shifting seamlessly between childlike innocence and terrifying instability. The film’s slow-burn tension and unique premise make it a hidden treasure for fans of psychological horror and cult cinema. Though disturbing, it’s a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Exploitflix must see.
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Details
Genre: Psychological Horror, Drama
Release Date: 1978
Era: Seventies
Actors: Carol Kane, Lee Grant, James Olson, Will Geer
Director: Karen Arthur
Poster Artist: Birney Lettick
Country of Origin: USA
