Contracted: Phase II

Contracted: Phase II is a gripping 2015 horror thriller directed by Josh Forbes and starring Matt Mercer, Marianna Palka and Morgan Peter Brown. The film is a sequel to the exciting 2013 feature Contracted and continues the story of a terrifying viral outbreak that brings a new horrifying meaning to the phrase ‘love bites.’

The central protagonist of Contracted: Phase II is Riley (played by Matt Mercer), who starts as a secondary character in the initial film. He is a typical young man who just discovered that the woman he loves is infected with a deadly sexually transmitted disease that is quickly transitioning her into a zombie. The movie opens as Riley finds himself in the harsh predicament of being an unexpected carrier of the same zombie virus that had infected the object of his affections, Samantha. What makes it more gruesome is that the virus’s disturbingly rapid progression is agonizingly visible in its effect on its victims, causing horrific rashes, random bleeding, tooth loss, and eventually... death and reanimation.

Riley’s desperate search for answers and a cure forms a significant part of the storyline. After his initial denial of the severity of his condition, he soon has to face the grim reality of the dreadful transformation that awaits him. He starts his frenzied race against time to find a solution before he completely succumbs to the horrifying effects of the virus. As Riley delves more profound into his personal investigation, he uncovers disturbing truths about the origin of the fatal virus, revealing a chilling blot of bio-terrorism.

A crucial addition to the cast in Contracted: Phase II is the enigmatic and eerie character BJ (Morgan Peter Brown), who was previously seen donning a mysterious persona in the first part. In this sequel, his character arcs adding a further sinister dimension to the unraveling tale. The dynamics of his character engross the audience as the story winds through unpredictable turns of horror and suspense.

Marianna Palka delivers an engaging performance as one of the new characters introduced in the game. Her role adds a new dimension of intensity to the deadly game of survival that unfolds on screen. Her character supplements the narrative's progression, contributing to the binge-worthiness of the horror flick.

The emphasis of Contracted: Phase II isn’t merely the horror generated by the physical attributes of the virus, rather the psychological torture that each character endures. Director Forbes showcases the characters grappling with the fear of their impending doom and the moral dilemmas faced by those in close proximity. The complexity of human emotions against the backdrop of an apocalyptic threat makes for a compelling watch.

The movie’s aesthetics adds to its somber and grim tonality, concluding in highly effective, squirm-inducing practical gore effects that fans of body horror will appreciate. The storytelling doesn’t shy away from its graphic content, instead uses it to its advantage to amplify the horror of the situation. Josh Forbes’ directorial skills become more visible as he takes the audience deeper into a world of dread and despair, amping up the tension and panic.

In summary, Contracted: Phase II builds on the same terrifying premise of its predecessor and adds a new layer of depth and threat to the narrative. Under Josh Forbes' competent direction, the tension escalates as the gruesome virus wreaks havoc leading to a series of unanticipated and chilling incidents. The performances by Matt Mercer, Marianna Palka, and Morgan Peter Brown successfully draw the audience in, making them active participants in the rollercoaster of terror.

With a chilling plot, believable performances, and the right blend of gore and suspense, Contracted: Phase II is sure to appeal to fans of horror and psychological thrillers. It invites viewers into its harrowing narrative, where they must bear witness to the horrifying ramifications of a deadly outbreak, the hunt for a cure, and the desperate struggle for survival.