Beautifully written, Kevin. I really shared the experience as I read about your childhood self. I was one of those Boomers who originally saw the film as a young adult and I unashamedly admit to finding it pretty disturbing as well. In fact, I recall not wanting to set foot in the ocean for a long time after seeing it! And the music, of course, did a number on those in the theatre. This was a first rate horror flick, and I’m glad you came to appreciate it later on.