CONTRACTED (2014)

Written & Directed By: Eric England 
Cinematography By: Mike Testin 
Editor: Josh Ethier 

 Cast: Najarra Townsend, Caroline Williams, Alice MacDonald, Matt Mercer, Katie Stegmen, Dave Holmes, Simon Barrett, Charley Koontz


A young girl is date-raped by a stranger at a party and contracts what she thinks is a sexually-transmitted disease - but is actually something much worse. This film has a bunch of original ideas and really takes a different approach to the type of story it is telling.

Unfortunately throughout the film with so much promise there are so many different ways the film could have gone to be more exciting or thought provoking. It seems like the director went with the simplest to keep it more on a natural level, also to help keep the story in a kid of reality without going off the deep end. It also leaves the film to be less exploitive.

Najarra Townsend gives a brave performance that takes a lot and she rises to the challenge I only wish the film served her more as she is what really carries the film to the finish line when it is tempting at times to totally wrote off the film.

I don't like that the film calls the inciting incident for the rest of the film. A one night stand that makes it sound more simple and an easier tag line, but though it seems at first more of an agreed upon hook up. It feels and appears more like a rape. There is much room for the filmmaker to go to and explore, but instead goes forth in a more cliche manner. With very few shocks except for the lack of explanation for certain characters actions and decisions.

Though her being slipped a roofie certainly does tip the scale of understanding and motive.

How she never puts two and two together or even suspects it might be a std is astounding. At least that could have been explored whether that is why she thinks this stuff is happening until it gets way worse and obviously it be something more.

The introduction that her character is a lesbian. As it is so non-chalant. Doesn't really matter except an explanation of a later scene. Considering how badly other characters treat her and she treats them might make the filmmaker feel like he is introducing a real character who never tries I cover up her flaws, but it also leaves us with a character who we feel sorry for that this is happening to, but we don't really care so much about her and her downfall in fact it feels like she is all flaws.

Her behavior towards the end is understandable, but still evil and wicked. Even if she is at the end of her rope.

Which to me sets the tone more for the rest of the film as you can look upon the main character as a victim. Which really without the attack she appears to be throughout the film and really comes to the fore-font as she suffers throughout the film until when she is at the end of her rope she attacks back seeming to stand up for herself. Not in a necessarily constructive or good way.

I am happy the they made the character she was in love with so repulsive from the beginning as everyone around her tells her how wrong she is for her feelings and manipulate her in their own ways. Which I wish were more evident in the film.

Throughout the film though some audiences have called this film Misogynistic and I can partly see their point, but really most of the men in this film come off really bad and despicable there are very few innocents or decent characters in the film.

I believe there is more then what is happening on the surface of the film. As far as delivering a message or saying something. I just don't believe it's as deep as some others think it is. Which is understandable as since the film seems simple. Some might see as there has to be something more to say.

I can understand he reserve not wanting to make this a revenge film exactly or use this condition as a saving grace and truly show the horror that she goes through.

I believe this film could have been alternately titled the sickening as it gets pretty disgusting at times. This is a body horror film. Not a sophisticated European streamline designed one either. This seems more nasty. So if you don't have a strong stomach I wouldn't suggest the film. It's no gratuitous bunt goes there.

Thankfully It's nor exploitive with the horror and gore element then it is sexually or nudity wise. Which quite frankly would cheapen the overall quality of the film.

Grade: C+