Grafted

Not a whole lot to say. Actors did their best with a terrible script, nonsensical screenplay and an average director. So many plot holes, abundant head scratching moments that pull you out of the experience entirely...

The average-ish performances earned the movie 3 stars, but they are clearly hindered by an amateur writer and a woeful screenplay, not a whole lot makes sense, nor does it seem plausible. And I mean that in a way that it still doesn't make sense or seem plausible when you suspend disbelief, like you have to with most horror movies (although there is nothing scary about this movie, it plays more like a drama-comedy).

The premise is good on paper, and with a proper writer, director and screenplay (and half a million extra $'s), this could have been a solid 6-7/10. Alas, it is nothing more than a below par evening time-killer.

There's some compelling drama in the first half of the movie. Things spiral out of control in an organic, chaotic way.

We get a very strong character development.

It's body horror but nothing too crazy. It could have gone for a little more gore but it's adequate how it is.

This is not an incredible movie by any means. But it has a fair amount of compelling story that is often lacking.

It deserves more than 5. But also doesn't have enough of an "it" factor to be a great movie.

There's some character and situational cliches.

It's a very entertaining movie with some emotional elements.

Ultimately it's a pleasantly average movie. Not sure why I'm writing this review other than 5/10 seeming a little too low.

It's something you can throw on if you need a movie.

I watched the New Zealand film Grafted (2024) on Shudder. The story follows an exchange student struggling to fit in as she conducts a twisted science experiment-transforming herself by wearing other people's skin. Her classmates soon become her next test subjects.

This film marks the directorial debut of Sasha Rainbow and stars Eden Hart (Sweet Tooth), Jess Hong (3 Body Problem), and Mark Mitchinson (Evil Dead Rise).

In some ways, this reminded me of the Spanish classic The Skin I Live In, but with a much gorier approach. The plot is highly original, and the gore is top-tier. The protagonist feels like a more brutal version of Leatherface. The acting is strong, and the psychological evolution of the main character is well-executed. Some plot points and character decisions are far-fetched, but they don't take away from the film's overall impact. The creativity and sheer brutality of the gore make this a must-see for horror enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Grafted is a bold and unique addition to the horror genre, packed with outstanding gore. I'd give it an 8/10.

I ADORE horror with female leads, especially ones where it deals with deeper issues

But honestly, this movie disappointed me. The message was clear within the first half hour as to what it wanted it's message to be about and I was intrigued but after about 45 minutes, it all just became a bit silly.

The acting felt like overacting and the pacing was just off. I kept finding myself checking when the movie was finally going to be over. I think the idea for this movie is brilliant but this delivery was just 100% not it for me. I kept getting taken out of it and all together, was very unimpressed.

From the very first scene, Grafted, directed by Sasha Rainbow, pulls no punches. The opening is gruesome watching the protagonist's father slice open his mouth with a razor before dying sets a disturbing tone for the film. It's easy to see why the main character is so deeply traumatized by his death, and why she becomes obsessed with continuing his work.

A Descent into Obsession After her father's death, she earns a scholarship to a university in New Zealand and moves in with her aunt. What starts as a quiet and reserved personality soon unravels as she fixates on her father's research--a special formula designed to fix skin deformities and blemishes. The idea itself isn't entirely new in film, but the way Grafted explores it, especially through her psychological unraveling, makes it feel fresh.

Mistreatment and Isolation Her obsession grows more dangerous over time, fueled by the way people treat her, especially her cousin, Angie, who is anything but welcoming. It's no surprise that she starts making bad choices, but once she crosses a certain line, there's no going back. Her mistakes compound, pushing her further into desperation, and eventually, murder.

From Quiet to Psychotic One of the most compelling parts of the film is watching her transformation. She goes from being this shy, socially awkward person to someone completely unhinged. The shift feels gradual yet inevitable, which makes it even more disturbing.

A Flawed but Underrated Film While Grafted isn't a perfect film--the acting, script, and editing could have been stronger--the concept and execution still make it a gripping watch. The psychological depth behind her actions is well thought out, and despite her horrifying choices, you can't help but understand how she got there. The film definitely deserves a higher rating than it has received.