Cat People (1942)

Serbian fashion illustrator, Irena Dubrovna, newly settled in the frenetic heart of New York, finds herself irresistibly drawn to the quiet charm of marine engineer, Oliver Reed. Their chance encounter in the labyrinth of Central Park quickly blossoms into a passionate love, culminating in a swift marriage. However, Irena is haunted by an ancient curse woven into the folklore of her homeland, a curse that casts a long, ominous shadow over her newfound happiness. Despite the vibrant city's allure, Irena finds solace not in its towering skyscrapers, but in the primal roars of big cats echoing from the nearby zoo. Brought up listening to tales of her ancestors who, forced into witchcraft and malevolence, escaped into the mountains and morphed into formidable felines, she is convinced that she carries this eerie lineage within her. She believes that with passion, anger, or jealousy, she might transform into a deadly panther, instinctively compelled to kill her lover. Irena's strange belief and her refusal to consummate their marriage out of fear, stirs Oliver into action. He enlists the help of a psychiatrist, Dr. Judd, in a desperate attempt to dispel her fears and understand the roots of her conviction. As Dr. Judd delves into Irena's psyche, he uncovers her firm belief that this terrifying transformation is triggered by a kiss. The delicate balance of their lives is further threatened when Oliver's professional relationship with a co-worker, Alice Moore, teeters on the brink of becoming something more intimate, testing the strength of Irena's beliefs. As Oliver and Dr. Judd strive to help Irena, they find themselves entwined in a chilling tale of love, ancient curses, and the terrifying power of belief.

Cat People is a horror movie featuring Simone Simon and directed by Jacques Tourneur.

Cat People is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Cat People on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.