As a lifelong connoisseur of horror films and a dedicated follower of the genre’s evolution, I am thrilled to see body horror stepping into the mainstream spotlight. The recent success of Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance has opened doors for innovative works like Grafted, which promises to deliver a David Cronenberg-worthy experience.
Currently, body horror enthusiasts are in for a treat with the surge of interest surrounding Coralie Fargeat’s latest work, “The Substance“. This film appears to be paving the way for a new wave in the body horror subgenre that seems to be gaining traction in mainstream cinema. Following its record-breaking success at the box office and receiving widespread critical acclaim, it’s been reported that another genre piece, “Grafted“, has been picked up by Shudder. Just like its predecessor, this film promises to delve into themes of beauty and social acceptance while also providing a film experience that would make the renowned David Cronenberg proud.
The narrative focuses on Joyena Sun (Wei), a Chinese scholar student, as she embarks on a journey to New Zealand for medical research at a distinguished university. Wei is an introverted individual with a birthmark on her face that was present at birth, which she keeps hidden. Her cousin Angela (Jess Hong) and her glamorous circle of friends find her aloof. Despite this, Wei is driven to alter her destiny and delves deep into the research left behind by her late father, working tirelessly on a groundbreaking skin grafting technique that could correct her condition. However, as her experiments grow sinister, Wei’s actions become increasingly risky and unstable, ready to neutralize anyone who poses a threat to her secret.
Body Horror Goes Mainstream
While body horror existed long before Cronenberg popularized it in the mid-70s and early 80s with films like Shivers, Rabid, The Fly, and Videodrome, there’s no denying that it has always felt like the black sheep of the horror genre, always lying on the outskirts of the mainstream, thus going largely ignored by critics for not conforming to what’s considered “normal.” As such, American directors have largely shied away from the subject due to its niche appeal, leaving it up to foreign filmmakers to explore the limits of the human body, with Michelle Garza Cervera’s 2022 Mexican film Huesera: The Bone Woman perhaps being the best of the most recent crop of pics that have popped up in the last five years.
To put it simply, The Substance has undeniably illuminated the genre of body horror in North America. Its high-profile cast – Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid – helped bring this film to mainstream attention, as a lesser-known French production might have been overlooked otherwise. Notably, Ryan Murphy appears to be the first creator to grasp its popularity, as he’s now developing a new series titled The Beauty, inspired by a comic book series, which centers around an STD that turns those affected into something beautiful.
Let’s cross our fingers that other creative minds besides Murphy capitalize on the trend of body horror, offering something original for American viewers instead of merely combining elements from previous works and crossing their fingers for success. In the meantime, keep an eye out for updates on Grafted, including a release date and trailer, as they come in. For now, don’t miss The Substance in theaters before it’s too late.
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2024-10-09 19:01