Hey there, dark travelers.
As we bid farewell to last year, and usher in the new, I couldn’t resist one last foray into the realm of cinematic horror. And by Dagon am I glad I did. My final horror escapade of the year brought me face to face with the chthonic majesty of “Suitable Flesh,” a film that not only gave me that requisite spinal shiver but also whispered dark endearments to my Lovecraft-loving heart.
As a fanatic devotee of H.P. Lovecraft’s unsettling universe, I approached this movie with a mix of excitement and trepidation. So many films have tried and failed in the past to capture HPL’s unique brand of horror. Would it live up to the eldritch legacy of its literary inspiration?
Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.
“Suitable Flesh” is not just another horror flick; it’s a crafty, sensual dance through the shadows of Lovecraft’s imagination, reimagined for a modern audience while staying true to the essence of cosmic horror. So, grab your champagne, New Yearlings, turn down the lights, and let LOD take you on a terrorrific journey through this last horror gem of 2023. Trust me, this is one cinematic experience that will sticknin yourbmind like a splinter.
Ready to dive into the unknown? Let’s go!
The Gist of “Suitable Flesh”
“Suitable Flesh” takes us on a chilling journey into the mind of Dr. Elizabeth Derby, a once-esteemed psychiatrist whose life spirals into a nightmarish maelstrom of supernatural hysteria and gruesome deaths. It all starts after she murders her young patient, an act tied to an ancient, unstoppable curse. The movie, directed by Joe Lynch and featuring a cast including Heather Graham, Barbara Crampton, Judah Lewis, Johnathon Schaech, and Bruce Davison, delves into themes far more sensual and psychologically complex than your typical horror fare .
Lovecraft Reimagined
What sets “Suitable Flesh” apart is its unique take on H.P. Lovecraft’s work. The film adapts Lovecraft’s “The Thing on the Doorstep” with a gender-swapped twist, adding layers of sensuality and desire to the traditional Lovecraftian horror. As Dr. Derby gets entangled in the disturbing situation of young Asa, portrayed by Judah Lewis, she discovers a horrifying truth of body possession and an evil force seeking new hosts .
Not Your Average Horror
The film isn’t just about jump scares and supernatural monsters. Instead, it explores the deeper, often repressed desires and the intellectual ramifications of eternal existence. This exploration of sensuality and the sensations of inhabiting new bodies gives the movie a unique, erotic horror flavor, reminiscent of the 90s classics. The performances, especially by Graham, Lewis, and Schaech, add a palpable chemistry, elevating the film’s erotic atmosphere .
A Tribute to the Past, A Leap into the Future
“Suitable Flesh” pays homage to the influential works of the past, with nods to classics like “Re-Animator.” It maintains a reverence for its inspirations while charting a new path in the horror genre. In an era where genre films often feel sterile, “Suitable Flesh” brings a refreshing dose of sensuality and embraces its erotic nature, making it a standout in recent horror cinema.
Critics’ Perspectives
• Roger Ebert’s Review: Described as “better than passable grisly horror fun,” the film is praised for its adherence to a specific tradition of Lovecraftian horror. The movie’s setting in Lovecraft Country and its nods to adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft stories from the 80s are highlighted. The film is noted for its blend of psychosexual perversity and violence, with a performance by Heather Graham that particularly stands out.
• Rotten Tomatoes: The film scores an impressive 85% on the Tomatometer, with critics calling it “campy and creepy.” It’s praised for delivering visceral, ’80s-inspired horror.
• IMDb: The movie has a more modest rating of 5.3/10 on IMDb, hinting at a mixed reception among audiences.
• Heaven of Horror: The film is described as wild, kitsch, campy, bloody, and steamy, appealing to fans of Stuart Gordon’s 80s movies based on Lovecraft’s stories.
• Eye for Film: As a sex comedy, the film is lauded for being bold and nervy. As a horror film, it’s described as deliciously dark and creepy.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Watching?
Absolutely, if you’re a fan of horror that blends the sensual with the supernatural. “Suitable Flesh” is a daring, erotically charged journey through Lovecraft’s universe, reimagined for a contemporary audience. It’s a film that respects its roots while daring to explore new, provocative themes.
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Where to watch:
And there you have it, fear aficionados! Whether you’re a hardcore horror fanatic or just dipping your toes into the genre, “Suitable Flesh” seems like an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Now, don’t be shy – dive into the comments and share your thoughts about the film! And if you want more cosmically terrifying content like this, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog. Into the beyond we go 💀
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