What could possibly be more appetizing than a contagious flesh-eating virus coupled with body horror, gore, and social commentary? If you enjoy watching society fall apart while screaming at your screen, 'Contracted: Phase II' is your ticket to 78 minutes of terrifying entertainment. This 2015 horror film directed by Josh Forbes brings back the thrills that had audiences on the edge of their seats in its prequel. The film picks up almost immediately where 'Contracted' left off, set primarily in Los Angeles, and follows the character of Riley McCormick, the newest victim of the gruesome sexually-transmitted virus.
A Sequel That Actually Thrills: Sequels often suffer from sequelitis, but not 'Contracted: Phase II'. If you thought the first movie was disturbing, wait till you see what Riley endures as his symptoms intensify. His desperate quest for a cure is a horror lover’s nightmare, with an added twist of social critique.
Ramping Up the Gore Factor: No one walks into a movie like 'Contracted: Phase II' expecting less gore than its predecessor, and fans certainly won’t be disappointed. The film takes body horror to heart-pounding, grotesque new heights that are as stomach-churning as they are compelling.
Inexorable Descent into Chaos: As Riley tries to track down the source of the infection, the movie does an incredible job of depicting societal breakdown. Friends become foes, trust is obliterated, and decay spreads like wildfire. It’s a deserving nod to fans of apocalyptic themes.
Unrepressed Political Undertones: 'Contracted: Phase II' offers a reflection of the chaos seen in the world. With government agencies meddling, you can’t help but see a subtle jab at liberal inefficiencies—though fortunately, the film keeps the focus primarily on horror rather than needless politics.
Intense Character Arcs: The film crafts excellent character arcs, giving depth and humanity to Riley's plight. His transformation into arguably an anti-hero keeps viewers hooked, each scene more compelling than the last.
Award-Worthy Special Effects: While CGI can sometimes take a backseat to practical effects in horror, the use of real-world effects here deserves praise. From skin peeling to unnaturally placed orifices, the special effects team delivers award-worthy displays that will haunt your dreams.
Josh Forbes’ Directorial Brilliance: Forbes sidesteps traditional horror and infuses 'Contracted: Phase II' with a raw, unvarnished look at humanity. His direction captures the pacing of the original narrative while exploring new depths of character isolation and fear.
Relatable Themes of Isolation and Fear: As Riley's world crumbles, you can't help but relate to his isolation—a universal fear explored through the personal and biological unraveling of his world. Themes of alienation, both self-imposed and forced by others, resonate powerfully.
Tantalizing Cinematography: The detailed and often claustrophobic cinematography mirrors Riley’s spiraling mind. Tight shots and dynamic angles maintain the movie’s pneumatically charged momentum.
An Unapologetic Conclusion: There's a bold and fearless conclusion to consider in 'Contracted: Phase II'. Rather than sugarcoat the grim reality of both the virus and societal decay, the movie ends as it began—raw, terrifying, and endlessly thought-provoking. It’s no bedtime story, and it doesn’t pretend to be.
This film isn’t for the faint of heart or those with weak stomachs. If you subscribe to the Netflix-and-chill genre, you might want to steer clear unless your idea of a good time is watching the socio-political metaphor of a deadly STI unravel flesh—literally. As a horror movie, 'Contracted: Phase II' reminds us that evil doesn’t need capes or supervillains. Sometimes, it just needs the right setting and a contagious virus. The rest takes care of itself.