Antibirth [Horror Movie Review]
Here's a list of things I love:
Cronenberg-like horror
Horror involving strange pregnancies, even though I recognize their unfortunate implication
Natasha Lyonne
I loved Lyonne in All About Evil, a hilarious combination of self-aware horror and black comedy I'd definitely recommend. So, did I like Antibirth, the body horror story of Lou, a stoner daughter of a veteran who finds herself pregnant with no clear explanation?
(By the way, you should watch All About Evil. Seriously.)
In a word, yes, though at times, certain character interludes felt unnecessary, and some of the exposition could've been cut out. The "trippiness" really doesn't appear until the third act, which is not a crime, but the film certainly wasn't the mind-bender I was expecting. The film may've been helped by sticking to the grungy '90s and psychedelic aesthetics rather than some of the back-and-forth at the drug den. There are also characters, such as Jade (?) and Lou's friend-kinda-boyfriend that feel as if they should've gone somewhere but didn't contribute much to the plot.
When the movie did go for it, it was great, though. The practical effects are wonderfully done, and Lyonne's character is likable in a deeply flawed way, and it kept me engaged. The pacing is strange and the progression of different shots is peculiar, but this in some ways assists the feel of the movie.
Ultimately, the three lead actors (Natasha Lyonne, Chloe Sevigny, and Meg Tilly) and their chemistry help Antibirth along. For a debut flick, it's interesting and original, and if you like strange body horror, I'd say you should give this one a watch.
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