Look up the title of this French-Canadian horror film and you will find that Thanatomorphose means, ‘the visible signs of an organism’s decomposition caused by death.’
With this in mind, you should now be under no illusion as to what you have let yourself in for.
Thanatomorphose opens the Sunday session of Grimmfest, Manchester’s International festival of horror and cult films, which comes to town between October 2-6.
In his first full-length feature film, Canadian director Éric Falardeau tells the story of a woman, played by American Actress Kayden Rose, who is literally ‘falling to pieces’, emotionally, physically, and mentally.
Rose plays the part of an isolated and unsuccessful young sculptress, who feels devoid of any real worth and moves into a new apartment after feeling trapped in an abusive relationship.
As she feels her isolation growing, she finds herself in a rather unappealing situation in that her body is beginning to decay and rot.
Any normal human being would just pop down to A&E, but that wouldn’t exactly make for a good horror romp would it?
What proceeds is a visual tour de force from Éric Falardeau on human decomposition. It’s certainly not going to be to everyone’s tastes, but if blood, guts, feces and rotting flesh is your thing, then Thanatomorphose might just get your juices flowing.
If you’ve got a weak stomach or even weaker bowels, we suggest you sit this one out, because things could get messy.
You may be forgiven for thinking that Thanatomorphose sounds like it could be a boundary pushing gore-fest with little to no substance, like so many other body horror movies on the market.
However, the film also deals with a potentially interesting sub-plot involving the main characters sexual partner, with a man who is implied to be both physically and emotionally abusive.
The abuse suffered at the hands of this particular character, coupled with the deteriorating disease means it is only a matter of time before she begins to mentally deteriorate, which makes for a potentially captivating case study of somebody who is literally falling apart at the seams.
Essentially, Thanatomorphose is a woman’s real life afflictions manifesting in physical form, as the viewer is forced to watch her body and mind deteriorate before your very eyes.
By all accounts, the movie is elevated by a brave and impressive performance from Kayden Rose, making Thanatomorphose a must-see event.
Grimmfest 2013 launches on October 2 at Stockport Plaza, then continues October 3-6 at the Dancehouse Theatre, and the Lass O’Gowrie, Manchester.
Image courtesy of Black Flag Pictures via YouTube, with thanks.
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