FFFA: Else

Else

Australian Premiere

“Visually arresting, Emin’s dream-turn-nightmare body horror film is as much a lockdown pandemic fable as it is a philosophical treatise on individuality.” – Variety

“★★★★ The visuals lend the film a grandeur that is intimate, poetic, and tragic.” – Bloody Disgusting

After a mediocre one-night stand, anxious (and aptly named) Anx and rambunctious Cass find themselves riding out quarantine together in Anx’s apartment. A mysterious epidemic has broken out, causing bodies to fuse to their surroundings. These two people, who couldn’t be more diametrically opposed, are forced to get to know each other in Anx’s claustrophobic space as they hide from the horrors outside. How long can they avoid this strange virus as it absorbs everything – and everyone – in its path?

This visually stunning body horror and feature directorial debut from Thibault Emin is an imaginative meditation on connection, intimacy, bodily autonomy and the fine line between pleasure and pain. Cinematographer Léo Lefèvre plays with colour palettes throughout the film – from vivid colour, to bleak monochrome and even a sickly yellow wash. The practical effects teams rise to the occasion here, creating some standout stomach-churning set pieces that will have you staring suspiciously at your furniture when you get home.

Festivals & Awards
Toronto International Film Festival 2024
Fantastic Fest USA 2024
Sitges Film Festival 2024

Rating

Unclassified 18+

Duration

102 min

Country

France

Language

French (English Subtitles)

Cast

Edith Proust, Matthieu Sampeur, Lika Minamoto

Director

Thibault Emin