The Suckling

The Suckling, a 1990 splatter horror film directed by Francis Teri, is a narrative driven by grotesque and cataclysmic occurrences, lending itself to the realm of monster-based science fiction. The cast includes Frank Rivera, Marie Michaels, and Gerald Preger, each bringing distinct, compelling components to this horror gem.

As the film opens, viewers are introduced to a loved-up young couple consisting of a naive young woman, played by Marie Michaels, and her smooth-talking boyfriend, starring Frank Rivera. After discovering an unplanned pregnancy, the pair find themselves in a seedy, underground abortion clinic run by menacingly offbeat Gerald Preger's character. The clinic's unorthodox methods and novel backstory lend themselves to the creation of a chilling atmosphere.

Just as the audience is acclimating to the intense circumstances the young couple is facing - bolstered by the disturbing setting and characters - a bizarre, horrific event unfolds. The horror escalates drastically when the discarded fetus lands in a sewer laden with toxic waste, leading to the creation of an abominable monster. The Suckling draws heavily on classic 1980s mutation cinema and creature features in these scenes, with hints of humor strewn in for good measure.

The movie takes a turning point as the characters are entrapped in the building, following a shocking transformation. This ghastly being goes on a relentless and gruesome rampage, and the characters must work together to figure out their escape from the imminent horror. The suspense escalates as they strive to outwit this monstrous being to ensure their survival. The audience is drawn ever deeper into the horror as we see the characters battle for their survival within the confines of the dubious and unsettling establishment. The film's fusion of sardonic humor, unnerving suspense, and bloody, brutal horror retains a consistently fraught atmosphere throughout the plot.

Frank Rivera, Marie Michaels, and Gerald Preger's diverse portrayals add depth to the grotesque tale. They each effectively convey their unique roles' fear and tenacity, whether that involves rising to the surface as an unexpected hero, revealing a more complicated persona beneath a naive exterior, or unveiling a dark side nobody could anticipate. They are surrounded by a gallery of quirky and memorable supporting characters, each engineered with their own quirks and oddities, adding to the distinctly offbeat atmosphere and ensemble-driven nature.

The Suckling exhibits 90's budgetary charm with practical effects that pay homage to the genre's 80s heyday. From the grimy setting of the clinic to the grotesque design of the titular creature, all brought to life with detailed prosthetics and practical animatronics, every visual aspect sustains the claustrophobia and revulsion integral to the film. The director, Francis Teri brings the gruesome, nightmarish vision of the mutating unborn into existence with a certain eeriness that will elicit either a gasp or a shocked laugh.

Punctuating the screen horror is an appropriately suspenseful soundtrack that amplifies the tension and showcases the film's period charm. The film's technical aspects, from gruesome and disturbing gore to erratic lighting and keen moments of silence before the jump scares, effectively enhance the viewing experience.

In the realm of creature features and horror-comedies, The Suckling holds its own with its distinct narrative, exceptional practical effects, variation in characterization, and a blend of horror and humor. Though the theme might appear bizarre to some, it caters specifically to those who appreciate unique, creative spins in the horror genre. For fans of offbeat, B-movie horror with a dash of humor, The Suckling will prove a bizarrely fun and entertaining ride.