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One of the films I was most excited to see at Fantastic Fest this year was Suitable Flesh. Based on the work of H.P. Lovecraft, this film has a screenplay written by Dennis Paoli (Re-Animator, From Beyond) and was brought to life by director Joe Lynch (Mayhem, Everly). Suitable Flesh tells the story of a successful psychiatrist living a seemingly perfect life. When she meets a young new patient exhibiting what appears to be multiple personalities, the doctor finds herself entangled in the web of a sinister eldritch terror that threatens to take everything from her.

Lynch had a very difficult task making Suitable Flesh because the film was originally meant to be directed by the late Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator, From Beyond). Before the Lovecraftian film icon passed, his longtime collaborator and friend Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, From Beyond) asked who Gordon would want to direct in his stead. This led to Lynch taking the helm to create a film that still feels connected to Gordon’s past films, while also having Lynch’s unique flair. With the help of Crampton on the screen and Gordon’s other longtime collaborator, Paoli, delivering a compelling script, audiences will not be disappointed with this film.

As is very common with these Lovecraftian films, there is a healthy balance of carnage and sex. There are murders, rituals, body-swapping, and grizzly mutilations to appeal to any gore-hound. Compared to other similar films, it might be a bit light on the Lovecraftian elements. There is the idea of an elder god constantly looming over the events, with the antagonist’s ability to move between bodies being thanks to the unseen deity. It’s a slightly more subtle mythos than Gordon’s other films, but one that allows for Suitable Flesh to also have more of Lynch’s DNA. Woven throughout the plot is a sexual element that speaks to the most hidden, dark desires a person might have. Paoli’s screenplays always shine a light on the taboo fantasies many are too afraid to admit they have. Suitable Flesh certainly has this with a woman risking her perfect husband and life to give in to her strange sexual attraction to a much younger patient. It checks so many of the taboo boxes – adultery, age-difference, doctor-patient dynamics, and even a bit of knife play. Yet showing these proclivities never feels like an admonishment. Instead, Suitable Flesh sends the message that people shouldn’t feel the need to hide this part of themselves, especially from those closest to them.

There is a very interesting conversation happening within Suitable Flesh about gender. The possessing entity has existed for so long, it doesn’t remember what gender it was born into. It’s always assumed it was male because of its desires, but after taking the body of a woman for the first time the entity realizes women can have those same desires. The being feels very at home as a woman and might even prefer it to being a man. It’s essentially another taboo subject, although less so by today’s societal standards, being brought under the spotlight. Suitable Flesh challenges the gender norms in multiple ways, yet at no point does it come across as preachy or “woke,” as certain audience members might call other films that tackle this topic. These themes are so ingrained in the supernatural, other-worldly elements of the plot and beautifully convey the fluidity of gender.

Whether intentionally melodramatic, primitively sexual, or darkly sinister, the performances in Suitable Flesh are certainly memorable. Heather Graham (Lost in Space, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me) stars as Dr. Elizabeth Derby. For much of Graham’s performance as Elizabeth, there is an inauthenticity she brings to the character, which in this case is a good thing. Whether speaking to her patients, coworkers, or husband, Graham makes it clear there is a constant mask up hiding the real Elizabeth. It’s when that mask begins to crack and we see the less-composed Elizabeth that Graham truly gives a memorable performance. Acting opposite Graham for most of the film is Judah Lewis (The Babysitter, Summer of 84) as Asa. Lewis is the clear standout in Suitable Flesh. He is able to expertly embody two very different characters, changing every aspect of his voice and body language to allow the audience to easily tell who has the reins at any given moment. The sexual chemistry between Graham and Lewis is palpable and only becomes more intense when it becomes a matter of life and death. Audiences are also treated to a wonderful performance from Crampton as Elizabeth’s colleague, Dr. Dani Upton, injecting rationality and heart into the otherwise chaotic events.

The various audio and visual elements used throughout Suitable Flesh create a very specific vibe for the film. The editing, cinematography, even general composition of each scene appears to be inspired by the neo-noir, sexual thrillers of the 90’s. Even the saxophone-heavy musical score contributes to this tone with the addition of voice-over monologues for context. The film leans heavily into the corniness with these elements. It’s a very specific aesthetic that won’t appeal to all audiences, but those who can appreciate the commitment to this stylistic decision will likely enjoy the humor it brings to the film. Of course, Suitable Flesh also has plenty of gruesome practical effects. These effects look horrific, but also lend a sense of absurd humor to some of the more dramatic moments. The gore, as well as a fantastic scene utilizing a car backup camera, will leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Suitable Flesh is a psycho-sexual nightmare that honors the work of Stuart Gordon while still having the mean bite and humor of Joe Lynch’s style. While this film might be light-handed with the eldritch terrors, the Lovecraftian roots are still very much there to appeal to the elder gods and horror fans alike. Lynch no doubt had a lot of added pressure bringing this film to the silver screen. The intriguing plot, powerful performances, and realistic gore for the most part balance out the more humorous aesthetics and music of the film. While Suitable Flesh might be uneven at times, polarizing audience opinions, there’s no denying it has interesting things to say about sexuality and gender that will get people talking.

OVERALL RATING: 7.5/10