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Writer's pictureJustin Whippo

Appendage (2023)

Updated: Oct 10, 2023

My quick rating - 5,5/10. Here is a horror flick from Hulu that just popped up so may as well check it out right away. This one surely seemed to be playing it seriously but all of a sudden it took a comedic turn. We shall see which road it continues down as I get further along. Even with the out-of-place humor at the start, this turned out considerably better than I was expecting. It is a film that deftly treads the line between horror and comedy, leaving you both horrified and amused in equal measure. For the first feature-length effort by Anna Zlokovic, I was thoroughly impressed. At first glance, the premise of a young fashion designer's inner demons manifesting into something nightmarish might seem like a typical horror plot, but this movie takes unexpected and refreshing turns. The film opens with Hannah (Hadley Robinson), whose life takes a terrifying turn as her darkest thoughts materialize into a gruesome appendage that seems unstoppable. As mentioned earlier, the tone is initially serious, setting the stage for a psychological thriller. However, just when you think you have the film figured out, it takes an abrupt comedic detour. This sudden shift could have been jarring, but instead, it injects a unique flavor into the narrative, keeping the audience on their toes. Part of this, I believe, is to be a not-so-suitable way of showing a mental illness manifest itself. As the story unfolds, it manages to straddle the line between horror and comedy remarkably well. The out-of-place humor, which might have seemed odd at the beginning, gradually finds its place within the context of the story. The juxtaposition of horror and comedy creates an intriguing dynamic, making the film unpredictable and engaging. After Hannah meets Claudia (Emily Hampshire) and the entire plot is revealed, I realized exactly where they were going with this and quite enjoyed it. That spoiler is for you to discover. What truly sets this film apart is its ability to balance these seemingly contrasting elements while crafting a thrilling tale. The film keeps you hooked with its unexpected twists and turns, leaving you guessing about what might happen next. The character development is well-executed, and the cast delivers commendable performances, adding depth to the somewhat bizarre experience. Despite my initial apprehension due to the sudden shift in tone and the visual of the actual "Appendage" it manages to pull off the fusion of horror and comedy, resulting in a surprisingly entertaining flick. By the time the credits roll, I found myself appreciating the film for its daring approach and creative storytelling. I think this one might catch you off guard with its unexpected humor, but it ultimately proves to be a delightful surprise. The only thing I could think of that I had seen recently was Malignant which was very reminiscent of. It's an interesting ride that challenges the conventions of horror cinema, delivering a fresh and exhilarating narrative that is considerably better than one might expect. If you're looking for a film that combines chills, laughs, and thrills, this one is definitely worth a watch.

As you can see, Hulu is the only game in town for this ;)

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