'Suitable Flesh': A Riveting Review of Heather Graham's Mesmerizing Performance in a Gory Body Swap Thriller

The Big Picture

The exceptional talents of Heather Graham and Barbara Crampton shine in the enthralling and sensual horror movie, Suitable Flesh. Both actresses captivate the audience with their seamless transformation of personalities, flawlessly embodying the nuances of the enigmatic spirit.

Director Joe Lynch's intentional approach brings a distinct structure to the body swap sequences, skillfully utilizing strategic camera angles and cleverly blending comedic gore. Additionally, the film effectively emphasizes the strong bond between the female characters. The haunting and nerve-racking score, along with masterful editing, heighten the suspense and pace of Suitable Flesh, effectively depicting the protagonist's life transformation and bringing a deeper dimension to the body swapping moments. Ultimately, this Lovecraft adaptation offers a refreshing and captivating experience, skillfully combining elements of chaos and psychological excitement.

The Suitable Flesh, Joe Lynch's latest cinematic endeavor, takes the concept of an out-of-body experience and presents it in a raunchy and gruesome manner. Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's The Thing at The Doorstep, the film delves into the story of a psychiatrist who spirals into madness when confronted with a young patient suffering from a personality disorder that ultimately leads to fatal outcomes. Featuring Heather Graham as the psychiatrist and Judah Lewis as the troubled patient, this project pays homage to the iconic Stuart Gordon, particularly through the screenplay crafted by Gordon's frequent collaborator, Dennis Paoli. Notably, this film also brings a fresh perspective to erotic horror by reversing the traditional gender roles found in Lovecraft's original work.

The Suitable Flesh

Release Date: October 27, 2023

Director: Joe Lynch

Cast: Heather Graham, Judah Lewis, Barbara Crampton, Bruce Davison

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 100 minutes

Main Genre: Horror

Genres: Horror, Thriller

Production Company: AMP International, Eyevox Entertainment

Heather Graham and Barbara Crampton Make 'Suitable Flesh' Chaotic in the Best Sense

Image via Shudder

In a body swap thriller like this, a strong core ensemble is essential to maintain a suspenseful plot. Fortunately, Suitable Flesh features three exceptional leads who excel in their roles. Elizabeth Derby, portrayed by Graham, is initially a successful psychiatrist with a seemingly perfect life. However, her world is turned upside down when Asa White, played by Lewis, arrives at her clinic, consumed by despair. Just as Elizabeth is about to suggest booking an appointment, she witnesses Asa having a seizure-like attack after receiving a call from his father, Ephraim (played by Bruce Davison). Following the episode, Asa's demeanor changes, and it becomes apparent that his body is now inhabited by a sexually charged and uncontrollable spirit. This encounter marks Elizabeth's first introduction to the unknown entity and its relentless desire to find a permanent host in a desirable body.

As the spirit relentlessly pursues Elizabeth, threatening to destroy her life, she turns to her longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Dani Upton, portrayed by Barbara Crampton (who also serves as a producer for the film), for assistance. While initially questioning Elizabeth's sanity, Dani remains cautious throughout the ordeal. Together, Graham, Lewis, and Crampton deliver outstanding performances as the film's main trio in this unsettling and otherworldly experience. Their ability to seamlessly transition between different personalities while still embodying the mannerisms of the unknown spirit is truly captivating. This is especially evident in the final sequence at the psychiatric hospital, where the trio faces their ultimate test.

Lynch's Direction is Purposeful in Creating a Pattern for the Body Swaps

Image via Shudder

Lynch's skillful direction is the key to the ensemble's success onscreen. From carefully selecting the angles for body swap sequences to judiciously incorporating a sex scene in this erotic horror, his deliberate approach ensures that Suitable Flesh never veers completely off track. While Lynch draws inspiration from Gordon's Lovecraftian films like Re-Animator and From Beyond, he resists mimicking the late filmmaker's style. Instead, Lynch keeps his film coherent and guides the audience through the plot, avoiding Gordon's tendency to go overboard. Additionally, Lynch skillfully blends gore and humor, demonstrating a fresh and inventive approach to horror that moves beyond predictable jump scares.

Another strength of Lynch's direction lies in his choice to feature two formidable female leads in the project. Their friendship shines through, even in the face of the malevolent spirit's interference. Both Graham and Upton portray intelligent and accomplished psychiatrists, balancing their roles as femme fatales. In contrast to many horror films, these women are far from mere victims, even when their minds are under the control of a malevolent force. Graham's character perfectly encapsulates their strength when she asserts, "I'm daddy."

The Score and Editing Make 'Suitable Flesh' Captivating

A horror film would be incomplete without a score that induces anxiety. This essential cinematic element plays a crucial role in creating a spooky atmosphere, and Suitable Flesh excels in this aspect. Steve Moore skilfully weaves a subtle score at the beginning of the film when Elizabeth is introduced. Despite leading a normal life at the office and with her husband Edward (played by Jonathon Schaech), Elizabeth's routine becomes unnerving as Asa enters the picture, capturing the transition masterfully. As the plot unfolds, the score progresses into a darker melodic tone, effectively maintaining the pace of the film without becoming overly dramatic.

Furthermore, the score and editing are perfectly synchronized, particularly during the body swapping sequences. The agitated shots, which display the physical and mental transformations experienced by each character when possessed by the spirit, are accentuated by both the frenetic editing and intense score. As Jack N. Gracie directs our attention to rolling eyes, flexing fingers, and arching backs, the body swapping scenes are enhanced by their seamless alignment with Moore's score.

The success of Suitable Flesh does not rely on excessive spookiness or jump-scares to captivate the audience. Instead, its strength lies in its ensemble cast, particularly the main trio, and Lynch's ability to bring a fresh perspective to this Lovecraft adaptation. While it pays homage to Gordon's acclaimed filmography, it is far from a mere imitation of the late director's style. The score and editing contribute to the film's erotic horror, skillfully avoiding overdramatization. These various elements come together to maintain a balanced and engaging plot. In summary, Suitable Flesh is the perfect choice for fans of chaotic, psychological thrillers that maintain engagement without relying on excessive twists in their conclusion.

Rating: B+

Suitable Flesh is in theaters and available to stream on VOD in the U.S. starting October 26. Click here for showtimes near you.