Yummy

Yummy is a 2019 Belgian horror-comedy film that audaciously stretches the limits of its genre to deliver a terrifyingly entertaining story. The movie is directed by Lars Damoiseaux, who co-writes the script with Eveline Hagenbeek. The film features a trio of excellent performances from Maaike Neuville, Bart Hollanders, and Benjamin Ramon, whose chemistry brings a fresh and captivating dynamic to the screen.

The film begins by immersibly setting the stage. Set against the backdrop of Eastern Europe, the story follows Alison (Maaike Neuville), a young woman seeking breast reduction surgery. Accompanied by her mother Oksana, a plastic surgery enthusiast, and her apprehensive boyfriend, Michael (Bart Hollanders), Alison attends a notorious yet cheap cosmetic clinic. While the dubious nature of this establishment might initially deter some, Alison is eager to remedy the physical discomfort she experiences due to her large breasts, while Oksana is eager to seize an opportunity for another stint under the knife.

The unsuspecting trio's journey takes a horrific turn when they are unwittingly drawn into a terrifying outbreak of a deadly virus within the hospital. As the premises go into complete lockdown, the virus rapidly turns patients and staff alike into zealous, flesh-hungry zombies. Survival becomes paramount as Michael, Alison, and Oksana must band together and fight off the menacing horde.

In Yummy, Lars Damoiseaux delivers a fresh take on the tired zombie trope, effectively utilizing well-timed comic reliefs to alleviate the wall-to-wall terror while hitting the viewers with a generous dose of blood, gore, and suspense. The film expertly rides on medically-induced horror, pairing it with elements of comedy and infusing it with a somber dose of social commentary as it satirizes the obsession with the aesthetic appeal in contemporary society. Its wrong-footed approach to body horror and the prevalent culture of vanity brilliantly amplifies the overall experience, making for a truly unique and gripping narrative.

The titular term "Yummy," in this context, serves as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the dichotomy of external beauty and the gruesome, sinister events that unravel within the hospital's cold, clinical interiors. However, fear not, this film isn't just about showcasing gruesomeness. Yummy boasts a meticulously plotted, suspenseful storyline that progressively intensifies, keeping the audience on edge throughout its duration.

Maaike Neuville, Bart Hollanders, and Benjamin Ramon, each deliver commendably dedicated performances. Neuville's portrayal of Alison, a woman battling societal beauty standards, is both empathetic and strong. Hollanders provides brilliant comic relief in his role as the reluctant boyfriend caught in an absurd situation, while Ramon portrays an obnoxious hospital employee. Their performances underpinning the smartly executed horror and humor make Yummy an engaging watch.

The film also boasts impressive special effects. Gruesome transformations and bloody confrontations are rendered brilliantly, providing an uncompromising take on zombie horror. Vibrant color palettes juxtaposed with the stark, clean interiors of the hospice create a visually arresting contrast, further enhancing the movie's horror aspect.

Furthermore, Yummy's soundtrack enhances the narrative, using music to underscore and amplify the horror or humor in its scenes. The cinematography is top-notch, skillfully aiding the storytelling with a strategic play of angles, movement, and coloring.

In essence, Yummy is an unexpectedly entertaining blend of horror and comedy that unflinchingly presents its narrative. It is a non-stop, thrilling ride that pushes the boundaries of its genre. For viewers who appreciate horror imbued with dark comedy, it offers an intriguing detailing of cosmetic surgery gone terribly wrong. Unapologetically gory and brutally funny, it doesn't shy away from its subject, making it a must-watch for fans of the zombie horror sub-genre.