Body horror is a subgenre that I have mixed feelings about. I am simultaneously drawn to it and revolted by it. Body horror is a great vehicle to convey subtext about the human condition, but I sometimes find it challenging to tolerate onscreen depictions of ghastly mutations and the like. If you have a strong stomach and an appreciation for a horror film with something to say, there’s no better time than now to check out Anna Zlokovic’s feature film directorial debut, Appendage.
The picture has garnered praise for its commentary on mental health and supremely ghastly effects work. Additionally, critics have taken care to draw complimentary comparisons to the output of genre film mainstays like Larry Cohen and John Carpenter. Appendage is a Hulu original, so it should be available to view on the platform for the foreseeable future.
The picture catches up with Hannah (Hadley Robinson), a fashion designer who experiences severe mental health struggles, so much so that her thoughts ultimately manifest into a physical presence that begins to systematically derail her very existence.
While the film has its share of detractors, it has just as many vocal champions. Among the picture’s biggest supporters is former Dread Central Editor-in-Chief Mary Beth McAndrews. She really connected with the flick, which is apparent from her critique out of SXSW in 2023. McAndrews called the film “A Pitch-Perfect Blend of Dark Comedy and Body Horror” in her headline and awarded the picture 4/5 stars. She closed out her coverage by saying, “With Appendage, Anna Zlokovic creates a bizarre, disgusting, and relatable horror film that gets to the root of what anxiety feels like.”
It’s always a pleasure to see filmmakers speaking to mental health in bold, innovative, and creative ways. As someone who experiences anxiety, I think the choice to feature it as an all-consuming, ever-growing presence hits the nail right on the head. Though the flick deals in heavy themes, Zlokovic offsets that with moments of pitch-black comedy, which helps lighten the tone a great deal.
If you’re curious to see how Zlokovic handles the mental health metaphor and to find out how the humor lands for you, make your way over to Hulu and check Appendage out for yourself.
That’s just about all we’ve got for you at present, dear reader. Do be sure to stay tuned to the site in the near future for more streaming recommendations.
Categorized: Streaming News