The best thing about this film is the suspense. During the scenes where Irena is transformed, we never actually see her until the climax of the film. But the music and atmosphere creates a strong sense of tension that would almost certainly be broken if we got to see her in her true form. Because it relies on story, atmosphere and suspense instead of special effects, this is one of the few horror films that manages to remain effectively frightening 78 years later.
The plot and characters are strong as well. It does a great job of portraying Irena's struggle to prevent herself from giving into emotion and transforming, which I interpreted as essentially the conflict between unbridled emotion and reason, a struggle central to the human condition.
While the film started off with a great beginning that perfectly set up the legend of Irena's condition and her fear of it upon marriage, I felt like the middle dragged on for a bit and the first transformation does not actually happen until more than halfway through. And though the details are cleverly foreshadowed, in broad strokes the end is rather predictable.
Definitely one of the best classic horror films, at least compared to most of the others I have seen.
Review of Cat People
