Macabre (1980), directed by Lamberto Bava, is an Italian horror film that marks Bava's directorial debut, following in the footsteps of his renowned father, Mario Bava. The film is a psychological horror thriller that delves into themes of madness, obsession, and the macabre, establishing Lamberto Bava as a distinctive voice in the genre.

Set in New Orleans, "Macabre" tells the disturbing story of Jane Baker, portrayed by Bernice Stegers, who is recovering from the traumatic death of her lover, Fred. Jane rents a room in a boarding house run by a blind landlord, Robert, played by Stanko Molnar. Despite her attempts to move on, Jane remains haunted by her past, engaging in bizarre and unsettling behavior.

The plot thickens as Jane’s obsession with Fred's memory leads her to keep his severed head hidden in her refrigerator, engaging in necrophilic acts that blur the lines between reality and insanity. Robert, initially unaware of Jane's macabre secret, begins to suspect something is terribly wrong as strange occurrences unfold in the boarding house.

Bava masterfully creates a claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere, using suspense and psychological tension rather than explicit gore to evoke horror. The film's unsettling score, composed by Ubaldo Continiello, adds to the overall sense of dread and unease.

"Macabre" is notable for its chilling narrative and strong performances, particularly by Bernice Stegers, whose portrayal of Jane captures the character’s descent into madness. The film is a disturbing exploration of grief, obsession, and the darker aspects of human psychology, making it a significant entry in Italian horror cinema. Lamberto Bava's direction showcases his ability to craft a compelling and terrifying story, setting the stage for his future contributions to the genre.