At the Sundance Film Festival last night, I watched the bizarre Dead Lover-a movie so incredibly weird it feels like the acid trip of an art-house Dr. Frankenstein. Brace yourself for this one: it's unlike anything you have seen before. Directed, co-written, and starring Grace Glowicki, Dead Lover is a bold experiment that blends influences from Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and even the slapstick insanity of Looney Tunes. Before the screening, I spoke briefly with Glowicki, who emphasized that this was a deeply collaborative effort between the four actors in the cast. It's evident that this was a passion project, crafted with love and chaos. It's a film for anyone who identifies as a freak, oddball, weirdo, or outcast, and I'm all about that vibe. And really, we need more movies embracing comedic necrophilia!
The story follows a Gravedigger, played by Glowicki, whose constant stench of rotting flesh has made her love life difficult. She dreams of finding a lover, but has pretty much given up. That is, until she meets a rather aristocratic poet (Ben Petrie) who not only tolerates her unique aroma but adores it. Unfortunately, their romance is short-lived-he dies in a shipwreck, leaving her only his finger and the ring she gave him. What follows is a surreal quest as the Gravedigger tries to restore her lover's body through botanical and electrical means. Beyond that, it's almost impossible to describe the plot-or even the experience-of watching Dead Lover.
The film feels like a psychedelic fever dream. It's shot entirely on glorious 16mm film, with minimal sets, stark black backgrounds, and a theatrical quality. I kept thinking this could be a stage production, but that would never capture its cinematic energy. It's filled with dizzying colors, frantic editing, flashy lighting, and an eccentric score by U. S. Girls. The minimalism of the set design places all your attention on the cartoonishly exaggerated performances.
Dead Lover is mostly a madcap comedy set in a world of absurdity and freakishness. Glowicki's character, with her Cockney accent is our point of view, while the other three cast members-Ben Petrie, Leah Doz, and Lowen Morrow-play multiple roles, very similar to the versatility of Monty Python members. Some jokes land beautifully; others don't quite stick, but the sound, color, and chaos kept the film moving forward with my eyes glued to the screen wondering what psycosexual boundaries would be crossed next. There's such a sense of creative, artistic freedom in every scene. I love it when filmmakers are willing to take risks and lean into the transgressive. Horror and comedy both work best when they dare to push the buttons of their audience. I really want to see this troupe collab on another movie.
That said, Dead Lover gets a little exhausting and loses some of its momentum in the second half. Thankfully, with its short, 1:20 runtime, it doesn't overstay its welcome. The film's premiere audience was engaged and laughing through much of the first half, but by the second, the theater grew noticeably quieter. It seemed like the manic energy of the comedy started to run out of steam, and the plot became more disjointed. With so many characters and scenarios to keep track of, I found myself getting confused by what was going on and losing sight of the story.
There's pedigree here, though. Rocky Horror Picture Show (holy crap...its 50th anniversary is this year) is the cult classic to end all cult classics, but every time I see it - usually at a midnight screening - I'm reminded how front-loaded it is. All the catchiest tunes and energy are in that first 45 minutes.
Still, this isn't a movie meant to be scrutinized for its deep, soul-searching storyline. The joy of Dead Lover lies in its unfiltered energy and creativity. It's the kind of film that demands to be seen with a crowd, preferably at midnight with half the audience drunk and the other half on edibles. It's destined to become a cult favorite-an anarchic, art-house, transgressive experience, perfect for midnight screenings and party viewings. Watch it with your chosen mutant family.
While it's not my favorite film of the festival, I deeply admired the passion and commitment of everyone involved. The sheer originality of Dead Lover is undeniable. It's beautiful what can happen when a small group of artists are passionate about a project and have freedom to create something completely outside the box. Despite its flaws, I'm looking forward to watching it again and hopefully picking up on things I missed. It feels like the kind of movie that might grow on me with time.
If you're a creative soul, an artist, or just willing to embrace the madness, Dead Lover is an experience that defies comparison. Go into it with an open mind, embrace the bonkers energy, and just let it happen. And edibles might not hurt.
