Flesh of the Unforgiven

Trying to work on a new manuscript, a writer also dealing with the unfaithfulness of his wife as he completes his latest work, is drawn into a nightmarish world involving a demonic creature tempting him and several others around him into a dangerous cycle of guilt and despair.

Overall, this was a fairly strong psychological genre outing. Among the better features here stems from the way his one takes a seemingly cliche and unoriginal concept and brings about a slightly more intriguing spin on the material. The concept of a writer going out to a remote cabin in the middle of the wilderness to fixate on a big deadline approaching for his latest book is a somewhat staple idea of the genre, yet here this one goes for a different source of the torment, where it starts delving into others going along with him. The secondary consequence of the infidelity rumors in their marriage, making them difficult to get together while working on his book, is a fun addition to the whole thing, especially when added in conjunction with the torture being inflicted upon the lone woman in the hotel room that is interjected in the middle of everything. This spiraling out of control that happens during the film is a great touch that makes everything that much more intriguing for how it plays out. This occurs through a spectacular series of interactions that focus on the unnatural ability of the demonic beings to weave in and out of reality in fine form. The look and concept of the demons being a hulking, masked figure with the same mindset of a deranged S&M practitioner while the cackling cheerleader-like assistant dancing around in the background while there's a series of psychologically-triggering activity or threats playing out in the lead-up to the whole thing being simply means of the guys' twisted imagination playing with him has a lot to like. The setup provides the opportunity to generate some chilling and uncomfortable moments that take place here as the different tortures start to become more graphic and brutal, especially when it starts to wind the secondary storylines together, which is handled finely enough with the solid effects to bring it all to life that making for a lot to like here. There isn't much in the way of drawbacks to this one, but it does have some slight factors holding it back. The main issue here is the seemingly bizarre idea of having the couple together at the cabin while they're going through a rough patch in their marriage, while he's also spending time trying to meet a deadline for his latest novel. That seems somewhat counterintuitive, where the goal is a definite distraction to keep him there, dealing with one issue, which deserves its own space, instead of dealing with it at the same time as the writing. That does make the whole thing somewhat scattered and disjointed where it's not needed, and that also extends to the other issue with the convoluted finale, where its scattered resolution comes about trying to honor all sorts of different storylines, which causes it to feel bloated with several different resolutions instead. These factors are enough to drag it down overall.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Language, Graphic Violence, Nudity, and sex scenes.

Flesh of the Unforgiven is an example of why I enjoy Independent horror. They tell interesting stories and present them in a unique way. They also are not afraid to create something that is for everyone. Joe Hollow makes the most out of his budget and manages to feature some of the most talented folks in the indie scene. Some of the aesthetics are due to the limitation in budget but it is made up for in the writing, direction and talent on screen. If you are a fan of any of the individuals in this film or of true indie horror then you should check this film out.

I was contemplating a few different new horror films to watch and a friend recommended Flesh of the Unforgiven and I have to admit I really enjoyed it. The opening scene grabbed me, a disturbing, scary yet sexy moment, I'M HOOKED :)

Right away I got into Jack and Sienna's characters. They are struggling financially and in their marriage. They head to a remote cabin in hopes of making things better and it's obvious their struggle is real, but you can tell they still truly love each other and want to work their issues out, mainly trust.

Doesn't help the relationship when she tries seducing him, but he turns her down due to him in the middle of writing so she storms off. To make matters worse his literary agent gives him 3 days to finish a treatment and he's struggling to write it big time. He then receives a video for inspiration from an unknown.....a vhs video, a disturbing video but yet it helps Jack. Worse is the video matter sucks him in wondering what will happen next.

A lot builds up to the surprise ending. Throughout the film there's wild and shocking moments and you have to pay close attention to all details to really catch what's going on. A few times I thought I had figured it out, then was smacked with an unexpecting moment. I'm actually going to rewatch it so I can pick up on more details.

Flesh of the Unforgiven is a diabolical terror train that rides through the dark heart of human pysche. A tripping fear feast to be slowly consumed and swallowed with a lump in your throat.

The performance are top shelf, with dramatic physical and psychological elements being thrown at the characters like a knife game at a carnival of carnage.

Director Hollow lights a slow spark in this slow burn film, which turns into a gigantic flame of fear.

Joe Hollow's "Flesh of the Unforgiven" is a bold, gonzo horror delicacy that thrives on its bizarre, unconventional structure. While certain moments feel familiar, Hollow doesn't aim to reinvent the wheel; instead, he makes it uniquely his own, and it works beautifully. At times, it feels as though you're watching the work of a cinematic child born from David Lynch and Tim Burton-August Kyss embodies this perfectly.

Debbie Rochon and Joe Hollow deliver strong performances as a husband and wife at a crossroads in their dysfunctional marriage. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable and, in the world of independent horror, refreshingly rare. With a cinematography and sound that are nicely polished, the plot twists and turns keep you engaged until the very end.

The special effects may appear a bit dated at times, but there's a charm to them that feels like a nostalgic nod to the golden era of horror-a time that many fans still long for.

Overall "Flesh of the Unforgiven" is a fun, memorable ride that might just invite a second viewing.