Contracted: Phase II

I kind of liked the first Contracted and now got to see the second part too. I watched both tonight in a row.

I was a bit skeptical towards the idea of a sequel. First it was a girl who got a disease and when I noticed that there's a sequel where a guy gets the same thing, I wondered if there's any chance for it to be good. Will the character's gender be enough material to create something new?

To my surprise the sequel does not only do the same story over but adds new twists to the plot. There's a crime thriller element (think of Seven) that adds more excitement.

I think the first part was more "fun" and entertaining as a horror film, and my personal favorite, but the sequel was more genuinely scary and thrilling. Well... also the fact that I watched it when the corona virus pandemic is on the news every day, it kind of made watching this movie a bit heavy.

As a sequel Contacted Phase II is quite good. It continues the story but adds also new ideas and brings the thrill to a new level. If you still have appetite for movies about deadly viruses, well, check it out. Watch both parts in a row like I did, and have nice 3 hours of rotting bodies.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first installment, I wasn't sure that a sequel could really add much to the general plot line. I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the impressive acting, well rounded characters and introduction of a whole back-story to the original film. This movie works well as both a sequel and a stand alone feature, so you don't have to have seen the first film to enjoy this one. Although lacking the shocking impact of the first, this film is an explanation of the protagonist and their motives, as well as exploring what people have 'Contracted' in more detail and depth. A great new spin on the usual offerings within this genre and well worth an evenings viewing.

I'll be the first to say it: did not expect anything from Phase 2, nothing better than the original, no improvement, I only saw a lot of gore heading my way.

On the gore part, I was right, this one being a lot more brutal than the original, but the plot, is really good. They actually followed the story, quite nicely too, linked some pieces together, showed a better and more complex plot that leads to a good ending. It is hard to watch at times, but this is what this kind of movies usually bring, so get your stomach ready cause you'll need to.

Overall, Contracted: Phase 2, was a lovely sequel, and now I can't wait to see what part three will be all about. I mean, I hope this will turn into a trilogy and I'm guessing next on the list is the breakout of the virus. Probably a lot more gore too!

Cheers!

Contracted: Phase II (2015)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Riley (Matt Mercer) finds himself growing violently sick from the virus he contacted so he sets out to find the man he believes is spreading it around.

CONTRACTED: PHASE II is a sequel that picks up where the original film left off but to me this here is more of a remake than anything else. I enjoyed the first film a great deal and this one here is basically just a copy of it, although it's not nearly as good. With that said, if you enjoy these body harming horror films then there's enough violence and gore here for you.

I think the biggest issue with this film is that it really doesn't offer us anything we didn't see in the first film. I'd also argue that we don't care for Riley like we did Sam in the first film. However, this type of film is made to make your skin crawl and there are several disgusting scenes here. As with the first there's a lot of gore, blood vomiting and creepy things being dug out of flesh. The violence and gore certainly matches the first film and it will keep fans into the picture.

The performances were all good and especially Marianna Palka and Anna Lore. Director John Forbes does a good job with the material and delivers a well-made and professional looking film. CONTRACTED: PHASE II isn't a masterpiece but it delivers what you'd expect it to.

Now I get that when you like someone you're willing to put up with a little bit, but Riley bless him, it's fair to say Samantha wasn't looking her best when he made out with her, it's all i'm saying, everyone around poor Samantha was a little dense.

The sequel in some ways is a step up from the original, even more scenes to shock and gross you out, but as a film it's done on a much bigger scale, the first one was fairly insular, the second is similar but on a much bigger scale. It does somewhat turn into the typical Zombie movie, shocks, gore, cops etc, but it's worth watching.

It picks up exactly where the last one left off, after Sam infected Riley it concentrates on his story, his degeneration and battle to save himself and expose what's caused it. The scenes of Riley's degeneration are gross, don't have a hot dog watching this movie.

It's not on the Christmas wish list, but if this is your kind of film, you'll enjoy it to a point, i think we were left knowing that there'll be a third. 6/10

The moral, never lie to your Doctor!!