The Stink of Flesh

The Stink of Flesh is a 2005 horror film directed by Scott Phillips and starring Kurly Tlapoyawa, Ross Kelly, Diva, and Billy Garberina. Unique for its low budget, independent production and creative narrative, this film has carved a niche for itself within the post-apocalyptic zombie horror genre. The film embodies a raw, savage, and in places unsettling depiction of a world chaotic and cruel following the takeover by zombies and traces an intriguing exploration of the extreme in human behaviour, morality and survival within such harrowing circumstances.

The story swirls around a small group of humans who have managed to stay alive amidst a world overrun by flesh-eating zombies. Notable among these survivors are Matool, played by Kurly Tlapoyawa, a Mexican man known for his physical prowess and skills in vanquishing zombies, and the less capable but still resourceful, Nathan, played by Ross Kelly, who together with his wife, Dexy, played by Diva, have managed to survive the hazards of the zombie-ridden world.

They live in an isolated region, barricading themselves inside a large house, with tight, disciplined rules for venturing outside and successfully thwarting zombie attacks. The couple navigates the grim world with a set of strict survival rules and a mechanical routine, breaking the monotony with the unorthodox inclusion of other survivors in their sexual escapades, an indication of the extremities human nature can resort to under intense circumstances.

However, they are soon faced with a formidable challenge when Matool, having survived the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world, finds his way to their haven looking for shelter. His arrival not only ruptures the equanimity of their well-planned existence but also brings to the surface the darker intricacies of their relationship. Tensions are fueled by jealousy, greed, and fear while the trio grapples with their eroding sanity amid the increasing number of zombies creeping right outside their door.

A series of subsequent encounters entangle Matool with other survivors including militaristic survivalists, a lone woman holding onto her humanity, and an overindulgent nudist. These intriguing characters provide a unique microcosm of a post-apocalyptic society, where mankind’s journey into sheer wilderness hauntingly mirrors the ferocious nature of the very creatures they fear.

Throughout the film, strong performances are complemented by ambitious storytelling that places humanity, morality, and survival under harsh scrutiny. For instance, Kurly Tlapoyawa as Matool, delivers an engaging performance, shifting effortlessly between the facets of fear, courage, and empathy. On the other hand, Diva engages the audience with a compelling portrayal of a woman torn between survival, sanity, and sexuality in a world gone mad.

While Phillips employs many of the successful tropes expected in horror films, he pushes boundaries by introducing dark sexuality and nihilistic humor, shedding light on the grotesque realities of a post-apocalyptic world. Unusually, the zombies in The Stink of Flesh serve as ominous background characters whose presence shapes and drives the narrative but rarely overshadow the human characters and their emotional trajectories.

The Stink of Flesh effectively amalgamates black horror and dark comedy, presenting a horrific and bleak future where the lines between man and monster significantly blur. The gritty execution, raw sex, and violence, along with gruesome special effects make it a gripping watch, particularly suited for those who crave out-of-the-box narratives.

One clear winning element of the movie is its delivery of a realistic and horrifying apocalypse via creative storytelling on a low-budget. This is achieved remarkably well through the effective use of settings, limited props, and compelling performances.

Overall, The Stink of Flesh stands out as a wild, gripping and at times disturbing narrative within the zombie horror genre. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted or those seeking classic horror fare. But for those who lean towards horror offerings that dig into the grubby corners of human nature, shake up morality, and blur the lines of decency, realism, and extremity, The Stink of Flesh deftly delivers.