Review: Suitable Flesh

What if you could inhabit the body of another? Further to that, what if you had done so for countless years? What twisted desires would travel through your fractured psyche by that point? Enter "Suitable Flesh".

While watching Joe Lynch's foray into Lovecraftian territory, I'm immediately reminded of 1996's "Fallen", in which an evil fallen angel sustains itself through inhabiting the bodies of everyday people. 

What I appreciate about Lynch's vision is that it shines more of a light on the possessor, instead of potential possessees, which is far more interesting to me.

Our possessee in question is Dr. Derby (Heather Graham), who after a questionable encounter with a new patient (Judah Lewis), finds herself inexplicably in Freaky Friday Town.

Another key observer is Dr. Upton (Barbara Crampton), who always seems far too late the party, and her frustration is palpable. 

I would say the biggest surprise with Suitable Flesh is just how much I felt like I was watching a 70s or 80s horror. I don't mean through a retro-written script or flashy throwback directing, Ala Grindhouse, but rather through it's unapologetic content. 

Modern horror seems to largely avoid strong sexual content or risqué themes in that realm. Lynch not only embraces it, but strikes the perfect balance of scary and titillating. One key scene involving a kitchen knife is equal parts nerve wracking and sexy as hell.

Another of Lynch's strengths is knowing when to pull back and let the actors flex their talents, and the film truly shines on a character level.

Graham and Crampton are 2 absolutely fearless performers, and you can tell they had a ball making this. Their exchanges in the later scenes had me grinning at how perfectly they play off each other. 

Another key player is horror veteran Johnathon Schaech, who brings terrific levels of confusion and horny to his supporting husband role.

When the suitable flesh starts to bleed, Lynch doesn't shy away from showing the goods. His use of eye closeups is outstanding. There is a key one-take involving a car's backup camera, that is one of the best horror shots I've seen in a while. Perfect.

I've deliberately not elaborated as to where the plot leads, and that's by design. The final act is a joy to watch unfold.

Admittedly, this is my first exposure to Lynch's work, but I'm keeping a closer eye on him now.

The possessees bodies may be used at will like attractive rental cars, but they do take quite the ride in this.