Excess Flesh

Excess Flesh is an American horror thriller directed by Patrick Kennelly. The film, which premiered in 2015, reunites Kennelly with co-scriptwriter Sigrid Gilmer. It features breakout performances from Effie Lavore, Mary Loveless, and Wes McGee. It is a disquieting psychological drama that aims to confront audiences with society's obsession with image, and the destructive lengths many will go to achieve their idea of perfection.

The film focuses mainly on the lives of two female co-inhabitants in a Los Angeles apartment, taking the viewer on a gripping, nightmarish, and tension-fraught journey. The lead characters are Jill (Effie Lavore), a woman suffering from body dysmorphia and her roommate Jennifer (Mary Loveless), who represents the unattainable standard of beauty society imposes.

Jill is characterized as deeply troubled, plagued by a crippling body dysmorphia that sacrifices her happiness, self-esteem, and mental well-being at the altar of her obsession with her weight and appearance. On the other hand, Jennifer is a fashion model, a paragon of the societal beauty standard, representing everything Jill aspires to become. The dynamic between Jill and Jennifer is electrifying, oscillating between friendship, hatred, and mutual envy.

The presence of Rob (Wes McGee), Jennifer's boyfriend, adds another layer to this already complex and strained relationship. Rob is simultaneously a source of conflict and comfort, as he treats Jill and Jennifer differently, highlighting the disparity between their social statuses even more starkly.

Throughout Excess Flesh, it is made clear that Jill finds it impossible to reconcile her mundane life with Jennifer's glamorous world. The graphic, disquieting aspects of the movie represent the terrifying battle Jill wages within herself, driven by her desire to fit into a societal mold that refuses to accommodate her. The film further exacerbates the tension by delving into the incessant comparison Jill makes with Jennifer, highlighting the painful discrepancy between her self-perceived grotesque image and Jennifer's model figure.

Excess Flesh does a remarkable job of using its medium to reflect societal issues within its narrative. It tackles what is often deemed a taboo subject matter—the devastating consequences of body dysmorphia—through the lens of visceral horror. Where it excels, primarily, is in its examination and representation of a disturbed psychology. Through Jill's character, it delves into deep-seated insecurities, desires, body image issues, and the brutal lengths someone may go to achieve perceived perfection.

Effie Lavore is commanding in the lead role, her portrayal of Jill's obsession, desperation, and palpable suffering leaving an indelible mark on the viewer’s psyche. Her performance creates a discomforting but compelling spectacle that draws the audience deeper into her character's world. Mary Loveless does an equally effective job portraying Jennifer, projecting arrogance and indifference, all while maintaining an underlying vulnerability.

Director Patrick Kennelly’s innovative use of cinematic techniques capitalizes on the discomforting, cramped atmosphere of the apartment, using it as a metaphor for Jill’s mental state. The claustrophobic setting, macabre visual elements, and abrupt and disorienting editing methods make for an immersive cinematic experience that exacerbates the disturbing plot. Kennelly seamlessly switches between moments of grim, stark reality and eerie, surrealistic horror, resulting in a film that lingers long after it ends.

Excess Flesh may be a horror film on the surface, but it is also an indictment of societal beauty norms that feeds on body shaming and fat-phobia. It employs an unflinching approach towards confronting societal issues, making it a unique and thought-provoking social commentary. This is not a movie that is easily forgotten or digested, lingering in the subconscious far beyond the running time.

This film is recommended for those prepared to endure intense psychological discomfort and open to exploring dark, complicated themes. It's ideal for fans of thrillers and psychological dramas that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Excess Flesh - a brutal, captivating exploration of a mind on the brink, warped by society's impossible standards of beauty.