Condemned

Get ready for a high-tension horror with a dash of sickening gore, because Condemned from 2015 expertly balances these elements under the competent direction of Eli Morgan Gesner. Starring Dylan Penn, Ronen Rubinstein, and Genevieve Hudson-Price, this film showcases edgy, menacing, and utterly unforgettable performances.

Set in the grimy underground of New York City, Condemned is as much about the devastating societal circumstances that have created its world as it is about the explicit horror that unravels within it.

The film follows Maya, played by Dylan Penn—Sean Penn and Robin Wright's daughter in her feature film debut. Maya is a discontented young woman, tired of her wealthy but stifling life in the high-tech, luxurious environment of her parents' place. Desperate to escape her overly sanitized existence, Maya moves in with her boyfriend Dante, played by Ronen Rubinstein, who lives in an illegal squat in Manhattan's Lower East Side.

The building Dante resides in is a haven for society’s cast-offs and miscreants - junkies, criminals, and lost souls. Although disturbed by the conditions initially, Maya commits herself to acclimating, eager to live a life dramatically distinct from her privileged upbringing.

However, the building soon erupts into a hub of terror when a toxic waste leak in the basement of the building starts turning the inhabitants into violent, flesh-eating monsters. Dante and Maya find themselves trapped, with nowhere to go as they watch their neighbors metamorphose into grotesque and violent creatures overnight.

Supporting actor, Genevieve Hudson-Price, adds a touch of insanity to the mix with her portrayal of junkie-turned-cannibal Tess. Tes's disturbing transformation stands as an excellent representation of the film's central horrors. With the building in a whirlwind of savage chaos, Dante and Maya must navigate their way through the macabre hellscape that was once their home, as they fight for survival.

Visually, Condemned is an excellent example of a well-executed horror story. The bleak, distressed setting adds to the overall frightful atmosphere. The spaces within the building are crafted with careful attention to gruesome detail, hinting at decay and despair that adds another layer to the horror aspect of the story.

Director Eli Morgan Gesner skillfully weaves the social commentary within the horrific account. The occupants of the building, although portrayed as offbeat and deranged, are offered moments of humanity, thereby blurring the line between the monstrous and the victimized. The disgusting physical transformations take a backseat to the institutionalized decay and negligence that precipitated the downfall of the building's tenants, supplying Condemned with a thought-provoking edge.

Condemned refuses to shy away from the gritty, uncomfortable aspects of horror. It pays homage to retro gore-filled grindhouse films with fervently disturbing special effects, making it a unique hair-raising cinematic experience. While the brutal, visceral horror is not for the faint-hearted, this film offers enough suspense, thrill, and engaging plot development to keep even the most seasoned horror audiences engaged.

Performance-wise, the cast shows impressive commitment. Dylan Penn offers a brilliant performance as the young woman faced with the unimaginable horror of finding her way out of the doomed building. Ronen Rubinstein also delivers as her supportive albeit troubled boyfriend, grappling with his own issues with addiction while facing their growing predicament. Genevieve Hudson-Price is equally commendable, adding depth to her excessively freakish character.

Conclusively, Condemned is a rollercoaster ride of high tension and terrifying plot twists. It masterfully blends elements of the horror genre with grim socio-commentary, offering more than just thrills and chills. This movie satisfies all layers of a profound horror narrative while tingling the audiences' senses with stupendous performances and blood-curdling gore. Considered for its nerve-racking intensity, spectacular performances, and tantalizing story, Condemned is a must-watch for any hardcore horror fan.