The Horror Show
Contracted: Phase 2
by Josh Forbes
In 2014 I reviewed the indie horror film Contracted for HMS. I had mixed feelings about it, I wanted to love it but at the same time I wanted to hate it; there was so much wrong with the film and yet so much right. It was like the perfect mix of good and bad. Ultimately I decided that I loved it and finally got around to watching the sequel, Contracted: Phase 2.
Warning, there will be spoilers for the first film in this review, so continue on at your own risk.
The opening is the ending from the last film, literally the best part. A zombified Sam crashes her car and we finally get to see her rip her God-awful mother’s throat out. I nearly cheered! The police put her down and that’s unfortunately the end for ol’ Sammy. But, the creepy friend from the first film, Riley, returns in the second, and this time he’s front and center as our protagonist. After he had a rough encounter with Sam in the last movie — cough, maggot vagina, cough — Riley realizes all is not well with his health. A string of missing persons and mysterious deaths lead police to question Riley and he begins to piece together that the man he saw Sam having sex with at the party from the first film is to blame for all of it.
He makes it his personal quest to find this man as he goes around making poor choices and infecting the people around him. I wonder now if this is just a side effect of the virus? You get infected and then you’re an idiot and things happen like gushing nose bleeds into cheese dip and you don’t think to throw it away before someone eats it.
I found this film more humorous and that it didn’t try to take itself as seriously as I felt the first one did. I really enjoyed the dialogue and acting more in this sequel, however, the choice to not have Marianna Palka (Detective Young) speak in her natural accent was a mistake. Matter Mercer (Riley) has really grown as an actor; his role as Riley seems less forced and more believable. In the first film I found him borderline pervy and weird as he just seemed so awkward all the time. But I think now that he was able to be front and center they were able to further develop his character and Mercer was able to show off more of his acting talent.
The make-up and special effects continue to be fabulous and the body horror is on point. If there’s one thing that seriously grosses me out more than anything, it’s any kind of pimple or cyst or boil popping. So there’s that, and as much as I wanted to just gag, it was well done and a great part of the film. Original writer/director Eric England did not return for this sequel but I feel director Josh Forbes and writer Craig Walendziak really improved upon the first film and delivered something entertaining and fun.
We get more of the story now as far as why this creepy dude (BJ) wants to infect everyone and watch humanity basically rot to the core. I think Riley also does well with trying to be the hero and making things right as he knows he’s dying. He’s hopeful for a cure even though his chances of finding one are slim. Hmm, should have worn that condom in the last film!
Contracted: Phase 2 was enjoyable. I think different choices could have been made and naturally there is room for improvement, but I think that’s why I’ve learned to love these films. They’re not flawless and they’re just overall gross and fun with a hint of zombie. We’re left with an open ending and I for one would be excited to watch a third installment. So seriously, check out Contracted and its follow-up Contracted: Phase 2. If you’re a horror fan, I think you’ll really enjoy yourself.
Stevie Kopas, HMS
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