t’s October in Colorado, which means the coolest film festival takes place in the beautiful town of Telluride. The Telluride Horror Show is a favorite of mine (and my wife and the fellow Nerds). We podcasted from there twice a long time ago. And while we haven’t brought our podcast back, my wife and I have gone back a couple of times. This year, I was able to catch seven films, short programs and soak in the scenery and the gore. Instead of just posting my thoughts of the films on Letterboxd, I thought I would also write detailed reviews with you my loyal listeners/readers my thoughts on the films I saw. So sit back, relax and lets get spooky!
Suitable Flesh (2023) Directed by Joe Lynch
Dr. Elizabeth Darby (Heather Graham) finds herself in a state hospital after she is accused of murdering her young patient Asa (Judah Lewis). Elizabeth denies that she killed Asa, but the no one believes her. Her friend and colleague Dr. Dani Upton (Barbara Crampton) visits her and tells Elizabeth she doesn’t sound competent. Elizabeth pleads with Dani to listen to her story, Dani agrees.
One afternoon after a session, Elizabeth is greeted by a distressed young man, the aforementioned Asa. He asks for Elizabeth’s help. Asa says that he read her book and believes that she is the only one who can help him. Intrigued and sensing that Asa is in real mental distress, Elizabeth asks him into her office.
Asa tells Elizabeth about his dad, who is controlling him and hurting him. Elizabeth feels obliged to help Asa. During their session Asa’s phone rings and he tries not to answer it. When he does the voice on the other side transforms Asa from a troubled young man to one beaming with confidence and sexuality.
Elizabeth develops an unhealthy obsession with Asa and is soon brought into a world of demonic possession, gruesome murders and an uncontrollable desire for Asa.
Suitable Flesh packs a wallop. Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s The Thing on the Doorstep, it feels like a movie from the 1980’s. The gore is spectacular invoking memories of horror favorites from years gone by.
Director Joe Lynch brings the right amount of flair to the proceedings. One death, which I won’t spoil but I will say it uses the back up camera in a vehicle in an awesome way. I love how the film slowly lets the viewer into the world. Once we get there, however, the pace is unrelenting. From insane murders to insane and steamy sex scenes, Suitable Flesh is never dull.
Heather Graham commands the screen. Her descent from professional doctor and loving wife to a woman spellbound by a mysterious young man is not only believable but when her world unravels you feel sympathy for her and her dilemma. The added bonus of having Barbara Crampton back into the Lovecraftian world is special. Crampton is mesmerizing on screen.
Go see Suitable Flesh with as little knowledge as possible. It’s a rollercoaster of a movie that rewards the viewers to enjoy the plunge into darkness.
Grade: A