Suitable Flesh

RLJE Films and Shudder

Director: Joe Lynch

Writer: Dennis Paoli

Cast: Heather Graham, Barbara Crampton, Johnathon Schaech, Judah Lewis and Bruce Davison

Opens: World Premiere Sunday, June 11 at 10:00pm ET at New York City’s SVA Theatre during the Tribeca Festival 2023

The grounded nature of the science of psychology has long been an enthralling inspiration for horror and thriller stories, as it can serve as a gripping, fatalistic cautionary tale. The new genre film, ‘Suitable Flesh,’ stunningly does just that with its unique perspective. The drama thrives on its infusion of erotica into the journey of a female psychiatrist who’s trying to save her younger male patient from a deadly entity that’s determined to unleash an unspeakable evil on them both.

‘Suitable Flesh’ was directed by genre veteran Joe Lynch. He previously garnered attention for helming the 2017 horror comedy ‘Mayhem,’ as well as making his feature film directorial debut on the 2007 horror sequel, ‘Wrong Turn 2: Dead End.’

Lynch’s latest genre movie was penned by Dennis Paoli. The screenwriter based the script on H.P. Lovecraft’s 1922 serial novelette, ‘Herbert West-Reanimator,’ which also served as the basis of director Stuart Gordon’s 1985 horror film, ‘Re-Animator.‘

‘Suitable Flesh’ follows the sudden turmoil that disrupts the life of psychiatrist Elizabeth Derby (Heather Graham), who had a seemingly happy life until just a few days ago. She had a successful practice and a loving husband, Edward (Johnathon Schaech), and close friendship with her mentor, Dr. Daniella Upton (Barbara Crampton).

But Elizabeth’s career and personal relationships are thrown into turmoil when she’s arrested and committed into a psychiatric hospital by the police. The authorities force her to seek treatment after she has an illicit affair with, and latter attacks, her new young male patient, Asa Waite (Judah Lewis).

The college student seems to be afflicted with multiple-personality disorder, and passes between a passive and aggressive demeanor. Intrigued by her new patient’s case, Elizabeth becomes more personally involved in his treatment than she should, and her investigation into the root of his condition leads her to confront his ailing father, Ephraim (Bruce Davison). Asa claims that something evil has possessed his father, and  it’s now targeting him in order to claim its new titular suitable flesh.

After becoming more entrenched in Asa’s case than she initially anticipated and hoped for, Elizabeth becomes increasingly determined to clear her name of any wrongdoing. During her journey to prove her innocence, the doctor confides in Daniella and recounts what happened.

During her plea for help, Elizabeth shares an unbelievably bizarre and disturbing tale of sexual madness, supernatural horror and terrifying rage with her friend. The deeper the story goes, the more unhinged and carnage-driven life becomes, not just for Elizabeth ,but also for everyone in her life.

The thriller thrives in its ability to both pay tribute to, and avoid being a complete retread of, Gordon’s acclaimed screen adaptation of Lovecraft’s story. Lynch’s new film uniquely blends horror character and story developments that are set in the current practices of psychology with provocative, twisted black humor that’s anchored in mythical, sci-fi body horror.

‘Suitable Flesh’ most notably creates a unique spin on familiar Lovecraftian – and even body swap – tropes that are regularly featured in sci-fi-driven genre stories. By making the drama’s two protagonists – both Elizabeth and Daniella – women, especially in a leading medical field as psychiatry, Lynch allowed them to have the same kinds of emotional and physical crises that male characters have long had more throughout cinematic history.

Graham and Crampton infused their characters with bold energy as they harnessed the tone their respective characters needed. The former infused Elizabeth with a gripping sense of terror as she cautiously investigated Asa’s mental and physical  conditions and claims that his father was being possessed. The latter effortlessly showed her character was determined to remain grounded as she pondered what led to her friend’s new warped sense of reality.

The natural banter and humor between the two protagonists proves to be one of the most integral elements of ‘Suitable Flesh.’ Graham and Crampton developed a close relationship between Elizabeth and Daniella that feels extremely authentic. As a result, it’s believable that the latter character is willing to contend with the complications of her friend’s problematic situation that she would put her own life and career at risk.

Lynch’s emotionally tense tribute to Lovecraft’s work and ‘Re-Animator,’ as well as the infusion of erotica into Elizabeth’s unique journey of trying to save Asa, makes ‘Suitable Flesh’ a standout in the horror thriller movie genre. Graham once again proves her diverse acting range by infusing her character with a gripping sense of terror as she investigates Asa’s seemingly deteriorating condition. Overall, ‘Suitable Flesh’ proves its worth as a gripping, fatalistic cautionary tale.

Technical: A-

Acting: A-

Story: B+

Overall: A-