Contracted

Contracted from 2013 is a gripping horror movie that seeks to blend elements of the body horror sub-genre with the dramatic tension of a psychological thriller. It stars the talented Najarra Townsend in the lead role, supported by Caroline Williams and Alice Macdonald. This film explores the cusp between panic, paranoia, and the chilling possibilities of a mysterious sexually transmitted infection.

Najarra Townsend gives a sterling performance as Samantha, a troubled young woman grappling with personal issues. Samantha is depicted as a complex character with her life in a state of chaos due to problems with her girlfriend Nikki, played by Katie Stephie Holmes, and coping with the pressures from her controlling mother, enacted by Caroline Williams.

The plot kicks into gear when Samantha, in a moment of vulnerability and defiance, has a one-night stand at a party. This decision sets off an eerie series of events, marking the onset of a terrifying transformation that engulfs her life. Samantha wakes up the next morning feeling unwell and starts experiencing symptoms that, to her dismay, escalate rapidly. What she hopes is merely a frequent hangover or even regular disease symptoms, quickly become a nightmare as her body starts showing gruesome signs of decay and a major physiological shift.

Alice Macdonald plays Alice, Samantha's caring but unaware best friend, who is helpless and unable to understand the horrific changes that her friend is going through. Townsend's portrayal of Samantha growing more alienated, desperate, and terrifyingly transformed, anchors the narrative.

The movie adeptly uses the traditional elements of body horror, making viewers cringe at the increasingly grotesque changes happening to Samantha. Yet, it also maintains a grain of reality that keeps the audience hooked, fluctuating between sympathy for Samantha and fear of what she is becoming. Samantha's physical deterioration mirrors her psychological spiral, creating a dual sense of dread.

While the premise is horrific, the movie also hints at social themes. It subtly touches upon the consequences of assault and the stigma attached to sexually transmitted diseases. Samantha's plight underscores to the audience both shock and sympathy, using horror elements as a metaphor for real-life issues many young people face.

Directed and written by Eric England, Contracted is an interesting intersection of horror and a somber drama. Though the film is replete with typical elements of horror, it’s set apart by its creative use of these elements to produce dread and unease rather than cheap scares.

The cinematography, helmed by Mike Testin, complements the eerie mood of the movie. The use of lighting and composition, especially in scenes showcasing Samantha's physical transformation, adds an extra layer of creepiness. These scenes were designed meticulously and executed with expertise, truly giving viewers the shudders.

Simultaneously grisly and heartbreaking, Contracted pushes boundaries and ventures into the less-traveled path in the horror genre. It skillfully explores a transformative journey – physical, emotional and psychological – leaving viewers both repulsed and fascinated.

The film also benefits greatly from its strong cast. Townsend delivers a compelling performance, successfully portraying an array of emotions – from fear to anger, frustration to desperation – as her character's situation worsens. Her ability to provoke sympathy, even whilst undergoing a heinous transformation, is a testament to her talent. Caroline Williams' portrayal of Samantha's mother brings additional complexity to the story, where she vacillates between concern and control.

Contracted is not for the faint of heart. It requires that the viewers have a stomach for visually disturbing content and a mind ready to delve into the many layers of its narrative. But for those who can appreciate that, Contracted offers a unique concoction of horror, mystery, and drama. Its ability to make your skin crawl, yet unable to look away makes it worth watching. With a deep sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll, Contracted strikes a memorable chord in the body horror genre.