Bad Biology

In the dark realm of the exploitation-horror genre, there are few films as audacious, bold and as bizarre as the 2008 film, Bad Biology. Directed by iconic underground filmmaker Frank Henenlotter, the man behind memorable cult classics such as "Basket Case" and "Brain Damage," the film goes way beyond the usual mixed horror boundaries into the world of deliberate and animated excess. It’s a kinky carnival of distorted sexuality, body horror that pushes the boundary of sensibilities. Simultaneously, it serves as a critical commentary on society’s manipulation on the notion of sexuality and a smorgasbord of special effects extravaganza.

The storyline revolves around two central characters - Jennifer, portrayed by Charlee Danielson, and Batz, played by Anthony Sneed. Jennifer and Batz are far from your average human beings. Each bears a unique, otherworldly physiological quirk that causes them unbearable torment, hilarity, and a great deal of misadventures. This movie takes the viewer on a journey into their lives and their journey of self-discovery and acceptance in a society that is both intrigued and terrified by their conditions.

Jennifer suffers from a mysterious condition that gives her an extreme sexual appetite and an extremely rapid reproductive cycle, leading her to a journey of reckless promiscuity as she tries to comprehend and satiate her inexplicable urges. The issue of Jennifer’s hypersexuality and bizarre uncontrolled reproduction is approached in an over-the-top manner that is both horrifying, strangely comical, and feels in line with Henenlotter’s shocking style. The complex character offers Charlee Danielson the opportunity to portray a wide range of emotions displaying an impressive performance ranging from distressed to demented, from blissful to hungry.

To counterbalance Jennifer’s prolific fertility, we have Batz. The character brilliantly played by Anthony Sneed is an introverted, drug-addicted recluse camouflaging a monstrous secret - a highly-aggressive, abnormally large, sentient appendage. This part of his anatomy has a mind of its own, compelling Batz to go hunting for sexual stimuli to keep it satisfied while he manufactures a cocktail of drugs at home to try to keep it under control. Batz’s conflict sets the film's dual themes of sex as control and sex as freedom. What makes Batz especially compelling is the sympathy that Sneed manages to bring to the character, constantly battling with his abnormality – providing an element of pathos behind the madness.

Mark Wilson stars as J.J. a photographer fixated with bizarre subjects, and turns out to be an integral part of setting the stage for a fated meeting between Jennifer and Batz. His character adds to the bizarre blend of comedy, horror, and sexual neurosis that Bad Biology skillfully achieves.

Set in New York City, the atmosphere of the movie maintains a gritty and grimy aesthetic throughout. Supporting cast members, including notorious New York rapper R.A. The Rugged Man, offering fits of hilarity and provoking further thought on the main themes of the story. The Big Apple's iconic cityscapes play into the narrative, providing a stark contrast to the surreal freakishness playing out in the foreground. Coupled with exaggerated grotesque special effects, the movie flawlessly marries a sexual satire with genuine horror shocks, renewing the exploitative vibe with an inventive approach.

The film redefines the body horror sub-genre, presenting it in a strange, sexual vein. It does not just use the spectacularly grotesque as a narrative device but also allows it to embody the plot, becoming an animated character unto itself. Not for the faint-hearted or prudish, Bad Biology is crude, lewd, and incredibly weird, and that’s why it stands out.

Bad Biology is a memorable journey into the most hidden recesses of sexual physical horror that essentially idolizes the concept of 'body-horror' taking it to new expressive heights. Like it or not, you will never forget the experience of watching this film. It's an enjoyably twisted ride that offers shocking situations, disconcerting special effects, and an upfront exploration of sexuality making it an epitome of genre-crossover exploitation cinema.