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.
