Beg!

"Beg!" is a dark and surreal British black comedy, crafted by Director Robert Golden in 1994 that separates itself from the realm of normalcy in cinema and throws viewers into a genuinely original world. The movie, both in content and delivery, could be described as quirky and visually stimulating, built around a peculiar plot of horror and humor.

Peta Lily, an accomplished actress known for her versatile performances, stars as Dr. Penny Second, a pathologist in a mortuary. She is characterized by her eccentricity, interacting with cadavers as if they were living companions with stories to tell. She speaks with the dead in the hospital morgue where she works, leading to intriguing, humorous, and sometimes chilling interactions. Her obsession with death is conveyed through unconventional lampoons that are rather philosophical than macabre.

The narrative kicks off when Dr. Second discovers a deadly epidemic, unknown yet lethal, something that humanity has never come across. The disease only seemed to affect police officers, leading to a dramatic series of events. Quickly turning into a detective story, the movie partially changes its tonality but keeps the dark humor distinguished.

Philip Pellew, a seasoned actor known for his squirming idiosyncrasies, takes on the role of Detective Sergeant Stiltskin. He is sent to investigate the bizarre occurrence, meeting Dr. Second at the mortuary. The brilliant, yet strange interaction between Peta Lily's Penny and Philip Pellew's Stiltskin sets off sparks and greatly entices the audience, woven with layers of mystery, intriguing dialogues, and captivating performances.

Adding to the mix is Julian Bleach, who plays the somewhat nefarious Inspector Blackbeard, living up to his name with his darkly humorous demeanor. His character, a well-rounded parody of grim detectives, brings a unique touch to the already unusual plot, reinforcing the black comedic element that drives the narrative. His interactions with Stiltskin and Penny evolve into a present motif throughout the story, contributing generously to the plot's tonality and progression.

"Beg!" seizes the cinematic opportunity to delve deep into the worlds of horror, humor, and, strangely enough, medicine, bringing an experimental, non-linear narrative technique to the table. The filmmaker paints the screen with vivid, lurid colours and extravagant costumes, crafting captivating scenarios set in visually stylised surroundings. Its experimental cinematography and deliberately uncanny set designs create an atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the movie - dark, playful, and unusually weird.

The dialogue throughout the movie is sharp and witty with underpinned humor. Equally essential to the experience are the unique sound effects and an aesthetically intriguingly haunting score that contributes to the heady environment of the film. Their contribution to the setting makes this unconventional narrative captivatingly chilling.

"Beg!" is undoubtedly an unorthodox gem in its genre. The film impressively balances elements of black comedy with elements of horror and does a commendable job of presenting viewers with an intriguing detective-style plot. The impressive performances of the three leads, Peta Lily, Philip Pellew, and Julian Bleach, with the convoluted, mysterious plot, and the unique direction, cinematography, and music production, make "Beg!" a surreal experience worth the viewer's time.

In summary, "Beg!" provides an off-the-beaten-path cinematic exploration blending dark humor with horror and intrigue. Directed by Robert Golden, this 1994 film offers a masterfully executed experimental narrative and serves as a platform for some exciting performances by its cast, while challenging conventional storytelling and audience expectations.