When Stuart Gordon passed away in the spring of 2020, the loss sent ripples of shock through the horror community. Gordon’s ability to fuse the horrific, surreal and humorous in projects like RE-ANIMATOR, FROM BEYOND, HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS, and more had long solidified him as a treasured (and literal) Master of Horror. Now, years later, director Joe Lynch (MAYHEM), writer Dennis Paoli (RE-ANIMATOR), and producers Barbara Crampton and Brian Yuzna pay worthy tribute to Gordon with the new film SUITABLE FLESH.
Like many of Gordon’s projects, SUITABLE FLESH once again taps into the deep cosmic horror well of H.P. Lovecraft. Inspired by and loosely based on “The Thing on the Doorstep,” the idea to spin the Lovecraft short story into a film had long been associated with Gordon. The fact that Paoli, Crampton and crew felt so strongly about finally bringing the film to fruition immediately injects an endearing level of love into the project. While that certainly is lovely, unfortunately, good intentions don’t automatically translate into a good film. Lucky for us, though, SUITABLE FLESH proves itself to be a darkly humorous and thrilling body-swap bonanza.
In the film, Heather Graham (BOOGIE NIGHTS) stars as a dedicated psychiatrist named Elizabeth Derby. One unfortunate day, a visibly frantic young man named Asa (Judah Lewis) appears unannounced at her office, begging her to help him. While initially interpreting Asa’s claims of an unknown entity inhabiting his father’s body seeking to now take up residence in his own as some sort of undiagnosed personality disorder, it’s not long before Elizabeth’s curiosity gets the better of her. Then, after meeting with Asa’s father, Ephraim (played by Bruce Davison), Elizabeth finds herself caught up in a surreal and sneaky game of switcheroo shenanigans.
Along with the narrative meat suit exchanging that takes place, Lynch and team did a little swapping behind the scenes as well. While the original story and script centered male characters as the leads, some gender swapping was implemented. Not only did this great decision allow horror icon and frequent Gordon collaborator Barbara Crampton to step into the role of Elizabeth’s longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Daniella Upton, it effectively shifts the underlying tension and chemistry.
Rather than shy away from this altered undercurrent and accompanying sexual dynamic, the film leans into it — to great effect. Conjuring ‘90s erotic-thriller vibes, Graham, Crampton, Davison and Lewis all deliver incredibly sexy and convincingly menacing performances. As the ancient entity jumps from one body to the next, there’s a playful and mischievous tonal shift that is as compelling as it is a joy to behold. Even for those characters who don’t play host to another, such as Elizabeth’s loving husband, played by Johnathon Schaech, the ripple effect is beautifully unhinged.
On top of that, Lynch and his team never forget that SUITABLE FLESH is indeed a horror movie. When the actual body swaps occur, the process feels genuinely intense and painful. The kills, violence, and effects are sufficiently gory and retain a notable level of practical integrity and believability. Even the psychological turmoil that Elizabeth suffers induces authentic anxiety thanks to Graham’s killer performance. There’s also one kill involving a reverse car camera that is so genius, brutal and prolonged that even the most hardened horror hounds will inevitably crack a smile.
Then, for the true genre and Gordon diehards, SUITABLE FLESH offers Easter eggs galore. Wasting no time, this intensely conscious, self-aware attitude makes itself known as Crampton and the fantastic Graham Skipper share the opening scene. Playing a coroner, Skipper plays up familiar genre tropes by eating while working. Having also portrayed RE-ANIMATOR’s own Herbert West in the stage production, Skipper’s presence and casting immediately set hesitant fans’ minds at ease. The mere tip of the iceberg, these subtle nods integrate themselves seamlessly into the narrative while never feeling gimmicky or cheap. Definitely something other nostalgia-heavy genre films could take note of.
Without spoiling anything, a special note needs to be given to both Crampton and Graham. Both seasoned pros, the ease with which each embraces the absurd and shines, regardless of their role as either villain or victim, is remarkable. A joy radiates from both in their performances that is a wonder to behold. Perhaps most importantly, though, it also sells and solidifies the deep friendship dynamic that exists between Elizabeth and Daniella, making the final act all the more harrowing.
Ultimately, SUITABLE FLESH delivers the goods on multiple levels. As an adaptation of a lesser-known Lovecraft story, SUITABLE FLESH works without screaming “cosmic horror” in your face at every opportunity. As a horror film, there are plenty of moments that ooze, bleed, shock and unsettle with ease. But perhaps most admiringly, it succeeds at paying tribute to a friend and icon without ever feeling forced, sad or overly sentimental. Rather than attempting to recreate or dwell on the past, SUITABLE FLESH celebrates the legacy of a cherished genre creator while retaining an identity all its own. Granted, it’s a wonderfully cheeky, bloody and mean identity, but a satisfying identity nonetheless.
SUITABLE FLESH is now available in select theaters, and everywhere you rent movies.
Tags: Barbara Crampton, Brian Yuzna, Bruce Davison, David Matthews, Dennis Paoli, Graham Skipper, Heather Graham, Horror, Jack N. Gracie, joe lynch, Johnathon Schaech, Judah Lewis, Rachel Reeves, RLJE Films, Shudder, Steve Moore, Stuart Gordon
Well, this sounds great! As a fan of pretty much everyone involved, I’ll be anxiously awaiting a chance to see it. Many thanks for the review & the heads-up! I might have missed this one otherwise.