Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Suitable Flesh’

1/28/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Heather Graham and Barbara Crampton as Dr. Elizabeth Derby and Dr. Daniella Upton in Joe Lynch’s SUITABLE FLESH. (Photo Courtesy of AMP and Eyevox. An RLJE Film and Shudder Release.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Suitable Flesh’.

It is definitely safe to say, that horror is at its absolute peak right now. After all, the genre is dominating every type of entertainment out there. For there are horror movies galore in theaters making audiences happy, it’s a staple on television and has multiple horror franchises entertaining audiences at home. Not to mention, there’s plenty of horror to read, and even horror video games are all the rage. Because the genre has finally reached its tipping point, and by becoming one of the most popular genres out there, it also now offers up some amazing storytelling. The kind that gives the viewer so much to think about.

Simply because, horror has perfected the art of integrating social commentary into its overall structure, and it is trying things with stories that few other genres are. Giving rise to some supremely intelligent and powerful stories about things that go bump in the night. But alas, popularity does have its drawbacks. For when audiences demand so much top tier intelligent horror, some of the other stories that it provides go the wayside. Such as the zanier, more twisted and outright in your face horror stories that were once featured often in the genre. But thankfully, there are so many disciplines of the classics in this genre from a creative standpoint, that some are making sure to keep those more classic tales alive, as evidenced by Joe Lynch’s latest feature, which is now available on Shudder, Suitable Flesh.

For this is a story that introduces us to a doctor named Elizabeth Derby, who is in quite a bit of trouble when we meet her. For she has been accused of murdering one of her patients, a man named Asa White, and the only person who will listen to her harrowing story is her good friend Dr. Daniella Upton. Who comes to learn that Elizabeth firmly believes she has touched something evil through Asa. For she explains to Daniella how Asa has never quite been the man she initially met and is instead a powerful agent of monsters we know nothing about and harbors the spirit of a dark entity that can jump bodies and inhabit the flesh and the mind of its victims. Allowing for it to cause trouble and do as it pleases, and Elizabeth is indeed its next host unless Daniella can help her before it is too late.

Which is a plot, that is mostly devoid of commentary and social discussions, and instead features… some classic elements from the genre. Ones that were featured often in the 1980s. Since there are echoes of Cthulhu here and other Lovecraftian delights, right down to the use of Miskatonic and Arkham and everything in between. Which brings forth a real delight since Lovecraft related films in the 1980s, especially the works of Stuart Gordon, were off the wall and grounded in pure elements of horror and well, Joe Lynch keeps that alive in this throwback feature. Since Asa’s horrible gift, creates uncomfortable and twisted moments, the kind where inhibitions are lifted and that brings about some quality horror.

The kind that harbors some serious gore and some seriously twisted visuals. Ones that are straight out of our nightmares and worst fears and to make matters more unsettling, the story makes sure to harbor some erotic horror elements, to further speak to the weakness of our flesh, our animalistic nature and all of that comes together to bring forth, nothing short of one wild rollercoaster ride. One where you simply haven’t a clue what kind of ugliness that ancient monster will bring to life, and that truly draws you into this story, and prompts you to finish the journey. But while those elements make this film an engaging and delightful watch, what truly allows for it to shine, is the acting.

For this movie features a pair of acting icons, Barbara Crampton (Daniella) and Heather Graham (Elizabeth), and they turn in amazing performances here. Which sell the confusion and concern that would come about from what this monster enjoys and allows for believable transformations to take place. Especially since Graham becomes unrecognizable the instant the evil takes hold and well… that makes this a must-see movie for certain. Because this really is a perfect horror feature, since it features the unknown, a terrifying darkness, and moments that feel believable through and through. Thanks to the incredible acting here, and thanks to the fact that this movie showcases the worst parts of us and truly… there is nothing more frightening in this life… than seeing the darkness we all harbor take control and unleash its fury.

Watch ‘Suitable Flesh’

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