A priest discovers a mysterious canister in the cellar of his small church, and asks a group of science students to investigate the curious object. It contains a strange matter that has a terrifying supernatural effect on all who come near it - and which proves to be the essence of evil. John Carpenter's horror, starring Donald Pleasence, Jameson Parker and Victor Wong.

A priest discovers an ancient canister containing a strange liquid in an abandoned church. When a group of graduate students and scientists are tasked with studying it, they unknowingly unleash an evil force waiting to destroy all of humanity.