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Bones and All
The question of whether or not destiny can be controlled and/or altered seems to be the underlying theme of 2022's Bones and All, a disturbing and chilling blend of horror and romance that, despite a dangling plot point here and there, had this reviewer riveted to the screen for this unapologetic acid trip, directed by the director of 2017 Best Picture nominee Call Me By Your Name.
The film introduces us to Maren, a troubled young teenager who has been living on the periphery of polite society thanks to a personal and horrifying destiny that her family tried to hide from her, eventually sending her on a journey to learn what happened to her and if she has any power over it, guided by an old man named Sully and a sexy and charismatic drifter named Lee, whose similar destinies find them in a battle for Maren's soul.
The screenplay for this seemingly unique film experience actually seems to be rooted in Stephen King films like The Shining and Doctor Sleep that offer a central character completely conflicted about a destiny that part of them seems to enjoy and part of them really wants to embrace, but still forces them into a self-imposed exile that eventually becomes too confining. We're distressed as the initial impression that her parents tried to protect Maren from who she is is quashed about halfway through the film. Her initial encounter with Sully, though disturbing, is on the money. However, her seemingly coincidental meeting of Lee, who has seemingly embraced his destiny, does raise questions for her, but her questions are clouded thanks to the beginning of the very unconventional romance that develops between them.
Director Luca Guadagnino employs endless imagination in creating this uncomfortable but balanced mixture of horror and romance, that walks a perfect tightrope between both genres. Every time the viewer begins settling into one genre, the story randomly brings us back to the other genre with no rhyme or reason. The viewer finds himself torn regarding what Lee's influence is going to do to Maren's journey and yet we are drawn to the sexual attraction between the two, which leaps off the screen. As much as want Maren and Lee to be together, they also seem doomed.
The film is rich with just as much bloody and unapologetic violence as it is with sexual tension, providing a cinematic experience that forces complete attention from the viewer. Zendaya-look-alike Taylor Russell is a revelation as Maren and Timothee Chalamet offers a sexy and dangerous performance as Lee that galvanizes the screen. Oscar winner Mark Rylance is also appropriately creepy as Sully. There are small elements of the story that remain unexplained, but this film still rivets the viewer to the screen.
The question of whether or not destiny can be controlled and/or altered seems to be the underlying theme of 2022's Bones and All, a disturbing and chilling blend of horror and romance that, despite a dangling plot point here and there, had this reviewer riveted to the screen for this unapologetic acid trip, directed by the director of 2017 Best Picture nominee Call Me By Your Name.
The film introduces us to Maren, a troubled young teenager who has been living on the periphery of polite society thanks to a personal and horrifying destiny that her family tried to hide from her, eventually sending her on a journey to learn what happened to her and if she has any power over it, guided by an old man named Sully and a sexy and charismatic drifter named Lee, whose similar destinies find them in a battle for Maren's soul.
The screenplay for this seemingly unique film experience actually seems to be rooted in Stephen King films like The Shining and Doctor Sleep that offer a central character completely conflicted about a destiny that part of them seems to enjoy and part of them really wants to embrace, but still forces them into a self-imposed exile that eventually becomes too confining. We're distressed as the initial impression that her parents tried to protect Maren from who she is is quashed about halfway through the film. Her initial encounter with Sully, though disturbing, is on the money. However, her seemingly coincidental meeting of Lee, who has seemingly embraced his destiny, does raise questions for her, but her questions are clouded thanks to the beginning of the very unconventional romance that develops between them.
Director Luca Guadagnino employs endless imagination in creating this uncomfortable but balanced mixture of horror and romance, that walks a perfect tightrope between both genres. Every time the viewer begins settling into one genre, the story randomly brings us back to the other genre with no rhyme or reason. The viewer finds himself torn regarding what Lee's influence is going to do to Maren's journey and yet we are drawn to the sexual attraction between the two, which leaps off the screen. As much as want Maren and Lee to be together, they also seem doomed.
The film is rich with just as much bloody and unapologetic violence as it is with sexual tension, providing a cinematic experience that forces complete attention from the viewer. Zendaya-look-alike Taylor Russell is a revelation as Maren and Timothee Chalamet offers a sexy and dangerous performance as Lee that galvanizes the screen. Oscar winner Mark Rylance is also appropriately creepy as Sully. There are small elements of the story that remain unexplained, but this film still rivets the viewer to the screen.