Although some like to wax poetic about the state of modern Horror cinema, in truth, it is really nothing all too spectacular. Fortunately, there are some filmmakers in the modern genre who ‘get it’, creating some really fun films. This short list would include, but not be limited to, the likes of Adam Green (Hatchet 2007, Hatchet III 2013), Roxanne Benjamin (Creepshow series, There’s Something Wrong with the Children 2023), and Joe Lynch. A Long Island, NY native, Lynch falls into category of those who ‘get it’ with Horror. What does this exactly mean? It means creating a Horror film that is fun, provides some scares, but ultimately has a sense of humor as well. This in mind, Lynch seeks to balance these key elements in his latest film Suitable Flesh.
Suitable Flesh, initially released in theaters and for digital rental back on October 27, 2023, now is set for exclusive streaming debut Friday, January 26, 2024 via Shudder. A perfect landing spot for the film, Suitable Flesh has a lot of enticing factors that will pique the interest of real Horror fans. For starts, it is directed by Joe Lynch who has proven his worth to the genre. Adding to it all, the film’s story is based on the 1937 H. P. Lovecraft short story The Thing on the Doorstep. Beyond this, the screenplay is written by seasoned veteran Dennis Paoli (who Lovecraft screenplays for both 1985’s Re-Animator and 1986’s From Beyond), the production team includes Horror legend Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator 1985, Castle Freak 1995), and the cast is led by highly accomplished Actress Heather Graham (Boogie Nights 1997, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me 1999). And if that was not enough, the soundtrack was composed by Steve Moore of Zombi.
All very compelling details, the mood of the film ultimately plays it straight, but not without its share of humor mixed in for good measure. A delicate balance in Horror, all involved do a superb job letting you know – Yes, this is a Horror movie… but we are going to have some fun too. Something that is perhaps heavily attributed to Lovecraft’s writing, it still takes an ensemble team like Suitable Flesh’s to execute it properly.
Which leads us to the thick of the plot, which follows a psychiatrist named Dr. Elizabeth Derby (Graham) who seems to have everything under control. That is until a rather unstable college age guy named Asa Waite (Judah Lewis: The Babysitter 2017, I See You 2019) walks into her office which she assumedly diagnoses as a personality disorder. Science has all the answers, right? Wrong, because it soon becomes clear that Waite’s problems are far more sinister than something he has conjured up in his mind. In fact, Dr. Derby’s life is completely turned upside down and inside out after crossing paths with Waite.
The sum of this tale, the pace is smooth as the film transitions from scene to scene. With Graham leading with a wonderful performance, supporting her Lewis’ Waite is believable, Johnathon Schaech (Judas series, Phantom series) portrayal of Dr. Derby’s husband Edward is amusing, and Crampton’s role as Dr. Daniella Upton (Dr. Derby’s friend) is perfect. In all, there is really little to complain about the acting in Suitable Flesh, because each actor/actress holds their own; especially Graham and Crampton, who are a fantastic team together.
Overall, Suitable Flesh is a film that sits right up there with some of the most memorable H.P. Lovecraft film adaptations like Re-Animator and From Beyond. It is an entertaining Horror flick with a stroke of gore, satire, and even eroticism. Something older and newer Horror lovers will enjoy; Cryptic Rock gives Suitable Flesh 4 out of 5 stars.
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