PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Between delving into the films of David Cronenberg and discovering the works of Bizarro author Carlton Mellick III, author of such bizarro body horror novels as Exercise Bike, The Haunted Vagina and The Handsome Squirm, I have been on a major body horror kick lately. I can’t seem to get enough of it. There is something inherently shocking about your body changing outside of your control, but body horror does so much more than shock and repulse. It is able to use the fear of our own bodies turning against us to say things about society that you wouldn’t take seriously otherwise. My latest foray into body horror is the Shudder exclusive Sequence Break, the directorial/writing debut of Graham Skipper, star of Beyond The Gates, Carnage Park and The Mind’s Eye. Read on to find out why you should check out Sequence Break.
Sequence Break is the directorial debut of Graham Skipper. It stars Chase Williamson (John Dies At The End 2012), Fabianne Therese (Starry Eyes 2014), John Dinan, Lyle Kanouse and Audrey Wasilewski.
A reclusive video arcade repair technician has his reality fractured when a mysterious new arcade machine appears in his shop and a beautiful young woman enters his life, causing strange, metaphysical forces, bizarre biochemechanical mutations and a shocking self realization.
Going into Sequence Break, I mainly wanted to see a fun and unnerving body horror film, and it turned out to be all that and more.
First off, I want to address the cast, which is fairly small. What they lack in numbers, they make up for in talent. Chase Williamson and Fabianne Therese have excellent chemistry. Their characters are so nerdy and awkward. I love their cute romance and how it plays out. It manages to feel real and organic, not forced. Lyle Kanouse as the owner of the arcade is a wonderful, warm, fatherly presence in the film, even if he is underutilized. Last but not least is John Dinan as The Man, who unnerved me every time he was onscreen. I learned fairly quickly that, when The Man appeared, things were about to go to shit.
Next, I want to talk about the execution of the film. Sequence Break owes a great deal to the movies of Cronenberg, Videodrome in particular. Watch and bear witness to oozing orifices on arcade machines, looking more than a little sexual, complete with moans. The film explores how much we let our entertainment become obsession, and how it control our lives (as a self professed movie collector, this is something I am very familiar with). The central character’s life is utterly consumed by his chosen form of entertainment, so much so that when a pretty girl is standing two feet in front of him, he doesn’t even notice her presence. Eventually they meet and form a bond, yet his obsession refuses to let him go, leading to both of his loves meeting in disturbing ways.
I honestly have to say this film dragged me through the ringer. The first act, for the most part, is funny and focuses on the cute, developing romance between Oz and Tess, who seem perfect for each other. Things take a much darker turn around the halfway point, and it made me feel sad and more than a little angry, but I stuck with it. The final act takes things into a suitably gooey and twisted direction, while bringing this terrifying tale to an excellent end.
Final Thoughts
Sequence Break is a modern body horror masterpiece. It’s Cronenberg with a heart. The film features a wonderful cast, an engrossing and emotionally resonant story, and several gooey and disturbing effects. If you are the type who requires everything to be explained and spelled out, Sequence Break might not be your thing, but if you’re a fan of body horror and you don’t mind some romance, you should definitely give this film a watch (If you don’t have a Shudder subscription, you can sign up for a free trial). Sequence Break is highly recommended.
