As a seasoned cinephile who’s spent countless nights huddled under a blanket, my eyes glued to the screen as the gore and horror unfolded before me, I can confidently say that the resurgence of body horror is nothing short of exhilarating. Having been through the ringer with classics like Cronenberg’s masterpieces, I find myself in awe of the fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling that new filmmakers are bringing to the table.
Filmmakers are continuously challenging traditional notions of beauty and physical appearance in cinema, as viewers increasingly appreciate the gruesome, hyperrealistic aspects of modern filmmaking. This trend is known as body horror, and it appears to be gaining more traction, often serving as a form of self-destructive commentary. The streaming platform Shudder has obtained another body horror movie, capitalizing on the success of “The Substance.” Fans of directors like David Cronenberg are thrilled because this resurgence and expansion of the gory genre is bringing in fresh, unique perspectives to refresh the horror sub-category. Similar to Demi Moore’s horror film, Sasha Rainbow’s DIY body horror movie titled “Grafted” will delve into themes of beauty and societal acceptance by depicting the mutilation of human bodies.
A tale unfolds about a Chinese student with a birthmark on her face, Wei, portrayed by Joyena Sun. Her father, a scholar in skin grafting, sets the stage for this narrative as Rainbow’s first directorial project explores the contrast between intellect and physical appearance. Wei embarks on a journey to New Zealand to pursue medical research at a renowned university. However, her cousin Angela, a popular and traditionally beautiful character played by Jess Hong, spurns her.
‘Grafted’ Continues ‘The Substance’s Work
Shudder is single-handedly lifting body horror films up and out of obscurity. The streamer even recently acquired another body horror film called The Ugly Stepsister, a twisted and bloody take on a fairy tale classic. Rainbow’s film shows the echo-chamber of female hatred and ridicule manifest itself in body mutilation, but it’s only the beginning of modern body horror endeavors. The massive success of Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance has shown that there is a wide audience for body horror in the modern movie landscape.
For quite some time now, the body horror genre has been around, but it’s never before had so many gifted female directors shaping it. It was high time for a revamp and an exploration of new ideas. If you’re one who enjoys seeing practical effects skillfully executed, then prepare yourself on January 24, 2025, as Wei will be performing a surgical-like transformation that might be too intense for some viewers, but it’s sure to delight the daring among us!
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2024-12-20 23:31