Adapting Lovecraft to screen is no easy feat. Love his work or hate it, it would seem the most successful adaptations take the source material, strip it of its problematic qualities, and reconstruct its core into a modern, insightful retelling. Recent examples include COLOR OUT OF SPACE, half of the shorts in GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S CABINET OF CURIOSITY, IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, and HBO’s ill-fated series, LOVECRAFT COUNTRY (which took advantage of, reworked, and exposed Lovecraft’s racist viewpoints). The most successful Lovecraftian adaptations, though, might be RE-ANIMATOR (1985) and FROM BEYOND (1986). As it happens, both films were written by Lovecraft superfan Dennis Paoli, whose new film, SUITABLE FLESH, is a fresh, clever take on the famed short story, THE THING AT THE DOORSTEP.
The film, directed by Joe Lynch, sets itself within the world of a 90’s erotic thriller if the 90’s were still happening today. From a muted pastel color palate to a sultry saxophone punctuating titillating sex scenes, the film is absolutely in on the joke and committed to the punchline.
The story the film is based on tells of soul-swapping, body-switching, insanity, and friendship. Here, the genders are swapped, and while that particular plot device has quickly grown tired, SUITABLE FLESH uses it to its advantage, taking care to include non-preachy commentary on what classifies as consent and assault, the importance of pronouns, and perhaps a hinted-at allegory for the trans experience. In this world of 90’s erotic thrillers, scoffing at a female lead exhibiting behavior typical of a man in the genre serves to shed light on the ridiculousness of each sex-fueled situation, no matter the gender. Granted, audience members who didn’t grow up sneaking glances at late-night Skinemax faire may feel alienated from the film’s direction, but those few who get it are sure to appreciate it.
That’s not to say the film perfectly sticks its landing. A bit more care might have been taken to delve deeper than surface-level theming. It skirts the line between having something serious to say and playing to its camp, and while the film’s third act takes a thematic turn, it may have missed the chance to make a strong statement.
The film boasts some very clever casting. Heather Graham takes the lead as Dr. Elizabeth Derby, who brings an appropriate amount of made-for-TV quality to her performance. That’s not to say Graham isn’t a strong actor, as once she’s been soul-swapped, she’s really given the chance to play and shine. As her patient, Asa Waite, Judah Lewis’ sexually aggressive behavior is without a doubt a driving force of the film. His ability to turn from helpless victim to cruel aggressor is terrific to behold. An MVP of the film is genre staple Barbra Krampton as Dr. Daniella Upton. Having also appeared in RE-ANIMATOR and FROM BEYOND, this is perhaps Krampton’s best role in recent years. It’s great to see her given something to do besides being a brief, headline-grabbing cameo in yet another indie feature. Also worth mentioning is Johnathan Schaech as Elizabeth’s himbo husband, who plays the role of hunky homemaker almost too well. It’s fun to watch him showcased as a sex object… until it suddenly isn’t.
As stated, the film won’t work for everyone, and it’s not without its flaws. However, where it works, it works well. As far as Lovecraftian adaptations go, categorize this among the most original.
SUITABLE FLESH is currently in select theaters, available on VOD, and will stream on SHUDDER beginning in January, 2024.
