[Tribeca ’23] ‘Suitable Flesh’ review: Sexual madness and supernatural horror

Suitable Flesh is a Tribeca Festival World Premiere that will pique the interest of fans of Re-Animator. Elizabeth Derby (Heather Graham, The Hangover) is a successful psychiatrist imprisoned for murder after brutally murdering one of her patients. In a bloody story filled with sex and violence, she tries to explain to one of her closest friends why she had to do it and why everyone is still in danger. 

The tone  is reminiscent of a horror movie out of the 1980s. The stakes are high, but there is also a jokey quality to everything that is happening. (Not so much for the characters.) It would be too far to call Suitable Flesh lighthearted, but it is certainly fun. The interactions and dialogue give off a B movie feel that adds to the charm of the gruesome story.

This does not mean that the scares do not work. Suitable Flesh is a frightening movie that has elements of supernatural horror alongside lots of gore. Director Joe Lynch does a great job of maximizing the carnage, including one car wreck scene that makes great use of the rear view camera.

The cast are also excellent in a movie that oscillates between erotic thriller and straight up horror. Graham is fantastic as the doctor who seems to be losing touch with herself while Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator) is the friend who wants to believe her. Judah Lewis (The Babysitter) rounds things out as the patient who needs Derby’s help and understanding.

Suitable Flesh has moments of outright lust that could come off as silly if not done correctly. The sexy saxophone music is even there. They never feel out of place, however. Graham transforms from conservative doctor to passionate vixen while she and Lewis have great chemistry. Their steamy scenes do not just add sexiness to the film; they further the terror.

The script operates at a carnal level that is filled with sex and barbarism. There are elements of love and friendship, but even these are portrayed at their most base levels. Suitable Flesh  succeeds by catering to the most visceral human emotions.

Tribeca Festival takes place June 7 -18. All films and event can be found HERE