Metamorphosis: The Alien Factor, also known as The Deadly Spawn II, is an American 1990 science fiction horror film written and directed by Glenn Takajian and produced by Ted A. Bohus.

Plot

An alien from outer space bites a bio-researcher on the hand and turns him into a monster. Its first victim is the guard at the laboratory he's working in. The guard's daughters are getting worried that their father hasn't called them and they go to the lab, where they meet their worst nightmare.

Cast

Production

Following on the moderate success of 1983's The Deadly Spawn, Ted A. Bohus and partner Dr. Ron Giannotto chose to surpass this success with a sequel, but the storyline evolved into something different. Having a slightly larger budget than for 'Spawn', Metamorphosis: The Alien Factor began production in an abandoned Jersey City warehouse with exterior and some interior shots in a Hackensack office building using childhood friends and New Jersey and New York City locals.

Release

Home media

The producers attempted to secure a theatrical release, but the film was ultimately released straight to video by Vidmark Entertainment on December 15, 1993 after playing at festivals and film markets beginning in 1990. Lionsgate re-released the film on October 13, 2003.

Reception

TV Guide awarded the film 3/5 stars, writing, "The title may sound generic, but Metamorphosis: The Alien Factor is an unusually vivid and accomplished low-budget horror film, a science fiction chiller that stretches its budget well and whips up some solid frights." The Video Graveyard gave the film a negative review, calling it "Effects-laden trash", criticizing the special effects, script, and dialogue.