Antibirth

I'm going spoiler free on this review, so you'll have to forgive me for being vague. The only joy you'll get from this movie is watching it without knowing where it is going. If you know too much, there's nothing worth watching.

I think there is some merit in seeing this film. My biggest issues with it were the direction it took, which isn't my preferred genre. I really can't say more than that without spoiling it, and I'm sure you're going to rate my review as "not helpful" for saying that, but everyone I said that to at the Phoenix Film Festival (where I saw this film) immediately understood.

What that means for you, dear viewer, is you're going to have to take a gamble. Do you like non-mainstream horror? How open-minded are you? If you like formulaic horror, move along. The movie is bizarre in many ways.

My rating reflects that I was not at all happy with the direction it took (as a personal preference...you might think it was the best ending ever), but I'm actually glad I saw it. If nothing else, it's interesting. The soundtrack is also a nice bonus. Loved the music!

Here's a film that I didn't know too much about outside of the fact that the artwork for the film was quite alluring. I'm really starting to think that a good poster is really a great indicator for my interest in checking out a film. The film stars Natasha Lyonne (of Orange is the New Black fame) and Chloe Sevigny. While the film isn't anything amazing I still think its worth checking out if you enjoy old fashioned body horror and psychedelic elements expressed in film.

This film is about a drug addicted party girl who mysteriously becomes pregnant. However, the symptoms of the pregnancy and the actual circumstances leading to the pregnancy are not quite "regular." As a matter of fact, her baby is not exactly a healthy human. I'll leave the plot at that to not give away much more. Acting wise Lyonne has it down, as this is basically an extension of the drug addicted inmate she plays on Orange is the New Black. Sevigny is also fine for the role as this isn't a challenging role for her either based on her past work.

The film can get quite gory and if that's not something you can stomach, this may not be for you. Its reminiscent of the body horror films that came before in generations passed, a tribute to the work of the masterful David Cronenberg. There's plenty of bright neon lights and crazy imagery in the form of psychedelic hallucinations. Its a joy to watch if you are a fan of visual cinema, quite like I am. In this specific aspect the film really does deliver.

I'd say the film isn't always interesting or leave an everlasting impression but this isn't really an issue because the film offers a nostalgic and trippy vibe that I really appreciated (but this may not resonate well for other film watcher's). I think Lyonne could probably get offered bigger roles in the future but whether she will be able to branch out and take on a different kind of role is still up for question. All in all, its under the radar but worth a watch.

6.5/10

In a desolate community full of drug-addled Marines and rumors of kidnapping, a wild-eyed stoner named Lou (Natasha Lyonne) wakes up after a wild night of partying with symptoms of a strange illness and recurring visions as she struggles to get a grip on reality while stories of conspiracy spread.

The film seems to begin with a kernel of truth: that drug use can be terrifying. While I have no personal experience as far as that goes, we are all familiar with the idea of a "bad trip". One could say that what happens to Lou is the worst kind. Although not directly connected to her, we also see the dark edges of drug use, which can lead to addiction, or even to prostitution. Is that aspect "horror"? No. But it is certainly scary in its own way.

Leading the film are two great actresses: Natasha Lyonne (ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK), assisted by Chloe Sevigny (AMERICAN HORROR STORY). Lyonne has mastered the trashy woman act (and unlike the caricature rednecks of Rob Zombie's world, this story is grounded in reality). Films with such protagonists do a dangerous balancing act. We feel obligated to have sympathy on Lou (she is our humble narrator), but in many ways we cannot help but feel she brought this on herself.

One review summarized the film as "really, really weird". Now, I happen to disagree. Sure, we have talk of aliens, and some impressive creature effects in third act. We have a bizarre pregnancy, and some hallucinations. But it still has a coherence that keeps it very real. This is not David Lynch's "Eraserhead". You aren't left with endless questions.

Writer-director Danny Perez (ODDSAC) has crafted a smart horror-drama, with a big pinch of science fiction thrown in. He has created not only a solid film, but another world. If he happens to return to this snowy wasteland, I suspect there are more stories for him to tell.

Honestly, I was very sceptic going into this movie, however after letting my guard down and allowing the film to get going, I was drawn into its strange world. The whole experience was a rollercoaster ride. Some of the scenes are immaculately shot, the cinematography really impressed me and took me off guard more than once. And then, during some other scenes I just kept thinking: "oh my god why did they edit it this way?"

The performances are mostly good, the editing, as stated before, has its ups and downs. Honestly just give this movie a shot if you like campy weird horror movies.

Some folks are partying, a girl named Lou is dragged somewhere by a guy. Next the girl meets with some girlfriends complaining about not feeling well. They joke that she's pregnant. Some sinister guys are collecting urine from females in a fridge. One of them has her lips chewed off or something.

Lou in the meantime starts feeling weirder and weirder and sicker and sicker and indeed starts developing a belly. But that doesn't keep her from getting high non-stop. She has some weird visions. All this takes place in some poor town with a Marine base. There's an awful lot of talk and taking drugs and ridiculous music and silly visions.

At some point Lou meets a woman who seems to have some idea what's going on. She tells her that someone has implanted her with something. She suspects the government is behind this. With her help Lou tracks down some of the bad guys and we more or less find out what they are up to.

It doesn't take long for Lou to be full term and to give birth and here the movie manages to surprise. Some other characters also make an appearance and things do get interesting.

Antibirth focuses on a bunch of ugly people doing ugly things and who listen to hideous music. It's not easy caring about any of them or what's going on, which isn't really much. This is one of those movies, where everything that is said matters. At this pace the movie would have been a solid 2/10. But then suddenly the ending is pretty surprising. The movie works toward something, you know or hope that something interesting will happen, but at the same time you quickly give up. But then suddenly the movie does deliver and it changes one's perspective of the entire film for the better. Clearly a lot more could have been done with this script and the budget should have allowed for a better movie.