My quick rating – 5.6/10. I have discovered something rather interesting about Suitable Flesh. From the opening scenes, the film has a quirky and sensual pace that appears to have emerged from the late-night shelves of the VHS section in 1987 and has decided to stick around for a while. Directed by Joe Lynch and loosely based on the works of the infamous horror author H.P. Lovecraft, we have just enough elements of the psychological horror genre, the supernatural, and the steamy elements of the 90s thriller genre…just enough to keep things interesting.
At the center of the madness is Heather Graham, who plays psychiatrist Elizabeth Derby. When one of her young patients shows up with a disturbing story involving his father’s behavior and hints of something deeply unnatural, Elizabeth does what any rational professional might do. She becomes completely obsessed with the case. Naturally, that curiosity drags her deeper and deeper into a mystery involving some seriously questionable life decisions.
I thought Graham was actually a pleasant surprise. Her performance has a bit of intensity that works well with the story’s descent into obsession and paranoia. She manages to keep things cool with all the insanity around her, but also leans into the film’s pulpy tone when things inevitably go off the rails. Watching her slowly unravel as the truth creeps closer works. It was kinda important when the plot starts heading into full-blown Lovecraftian territory.
Just the vibe of Suitable Flesh sets it apart. The movie has no problem lapping up the aesthetic of the classic 80’s horror genre, while adding the high-tension erotic thrills of the 90’s. From the lighting to the atmosphere that the synthesizers bring to the classic beats of the storytelling, the overall feel of the movie is like a love letter to a time in which horror was weird, sexy, and a little bit crazy at the same time. And it kind of works.
Joe Lynch clearly understands the kind of film he’s making. Rather than trying to modernize the material too much, he leans into the pulpy feel. What this does is create a story that gradually increases in psychological suspense before launching into its supernatural elements in ways that are both creepy and darkly entertaining. Twists and turns happen, as do some creepy revelations and scenes that will cause you to raise an eyebrow and think, “Well… that escalated quickly.”
You can definitely smell that Lovecraft influence, but it’s not ever really like an adaptation. Instead, it’s taking those ideas of cosmic horror and forbidden knowledge, and the sense of identity slipping away to something ancient and unknowable. It’s giving the thriller a creepy element to it.
In the end, Suitable Flesh is a fun, stylish ride that mixes psychological drama, supernatural horror, and nostalgic genre vibes into something oddly mesmerizing. It’s weird, a little provocative, and completely comfortable embracing its throwback roots. For fans of Lovecraft-tinged horror or anyone who enjoys a good descent into obsession and cosmic madness, this one makes for a pretty entertaining trip down a very strange rabbit hole.
