Summary
The year 2023 promises an unsettling experience withSuitable Flesh, a spine-chilling adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s short story, “The Thing on the Doorstep.” Directed by the visionary Joe Lynch and penned by the talented Dennis Paoli, this film brings Lovecraftian horror to life, weaving a narrative that explores the thin veil between sanity and ancient, malevolent forces. With a stellar cast including Heather Graham, Judah Lewis, Barbara Crampton, Bruce Davison, and Johnathon, this new horror flick ventures into the depths of psychological terror.
Before delving into the depths ofSuitable Flesh, it’s crucial to understand the profound influence H.P. Lovecraft has had on the horror genre.Lovecraft’s distinct cosmic horror, characterized by the insignificance of humanity in the face of incomprehensible cosmic entities, has spawned a multitude of adaptations across various media. From cult classics to contemporary hits, Lovecraft’s tales of the unknown have ignited the imaginations of filmmakers and storytellers, giving rise to a rich tapestry of horror narratives that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Release dates
99 minutes
Box office
$22,397
Heather Graham takes the lead as Elizabeth Derby, a psychiatrist grappling with the uncanny in a narrative that challenges the conventions of the horror genre. Unlike conventional horror protagonists who hastily embrace the supernatural, Elizabeth clings to rational explanations, even as the world around her descends into nightmarish chaos. As she grapples with Asa (Judah Lewis) and his cryptic tales, the film evolves into amesmerizing dance between psychological thrillerand body-snatching horror.
Elizabeth’s attempt to diagnose Asa’s erratic behavior is complicated by the unsettling violence and the emergence of a new personality. In a surreal blend of body-snatcher horror and erotic thriller, the narrative takes unexpected turns, challenging the boundaries of the genre. When Asa’s father, Ephraim (Bruce Davison), unveils occult powerscapable of forcing body swaps, Elizabeth must navigate a perilous journey to save herself from being ensnared in unsuitable flesh.
What is Suitable Flesh based on?
Suitable Fleshdraws inspiration from Lovecraft’s 1937 short story, “The Thing on the Doorstep.” In Lovecraft’s original tale, the narrative explores the eldritch horrors surrounding forbidden knowledge and the manipulation of mortal bodies by otherworldly entities. The adaptation takes creative liberties, infusing modern nuances into the narrative while preserving theessence of Lovecraft’s cosmic horror.
“The Thing on the Doorstep” opens with Daniel Upton, the narrator, unraveling the harrowing events that led him to take the life of his closest friend, Edward Derby. Their lifelong friendship takes a dark turn as Derby’s union witha mysterious Innsmouth woman, Asenath Waite, marks the beginning of an eerie transformation. Asenath’s unsettling lineage, coupled with her father Ephraim’s forbidden forays into sorcery, casts a malevolent shadow over their lives. Derby, ensnared in Asenath’s enigmatic occult experiments, descends into madness, and Upton finds himself entangled in a nightmarish tale of forbidden knowledge and eldritch horrors.
As secrets unravel, the story unveils the sinister practice of body-swapping, blurring the lines between the living and the dead.Suitable Fleshreinterprets this tale for contemporary audiences, delivering a fresh take on Lovecraft’s timeless themes.
Critics score
85%
Audience score
67%
On Rotten Tomatoes,Suitable Fleshhas garnered acclaim from critics, with 85% of 65 reviewspraising its “campy and creepy” aesthetic. The average rating stands at a respectable 6.9/10, indicative of the film’s ability to strike a balance between homage to ’80s horror and a fresh, contemporary perspective. Audience reception, however, remains mixed at 67%, suggesting that the film’s unconventional blend of horror and satire may not be universally palatable.
Guiding the nightmarish vision ofSuitable Fleshis director Joe Lynch, known for his distinctive approach to horror. Lynch, with a repertoire that includesMayhemandWrong Turn 2: Dead End, brings a unique perspective to Lovecraftian horror.
Lynch has carved a niche for himself with his distinct vision and storytelling prowess. Having helmed projects that seamlessly blend horror and satire, Lynch brings a unique perspective toSuitable Flesh, elevating it beyond the confines of conventional Lovecraftian adaptations. His directorial choices, coupled with the stellar performances of the cast, promise a cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional horror.
AsSuitable Fleshdescends upon the horror landscape, it promises to be a defining Lovecraftian adaptation of our time. Heather Graham’s gripping performance, coupled with Joe Lynch’s directorial prowess, elevates this filmbeyond the confines of traditional horror. With a Rotten Tomatoes score that mirrors the genre-blending nature of the narrative, it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of H.P. Lovecraft on the ever-evolving world of horror cinema.
Suitable Fleshmade its chilling debut on the silver screen at the prestigious 2023 Tribeca Festival on June 11. Following its premiere, the film embarked on a dual-release strategy, hitting limited theaters and video-on-demand platforms on October 27. For those who missed the initial theatrical and on-demand releases, fear not, asSuitable Fleshis set to arrive at the streaming platform Shudder come January 2024.
