The Horror Show
Soft Matter
by Jim Hickcox
Science and horror go together like peanut butter and... well… so many things. Both have their own thing going on but the paths of these two worlds often cross. Look at Frankenstein, one of not only the most influential horror films of all time, but movies in general. Mad scientists, creepy labs, the creation of abominations, it just fits in so well within the walls of horror. Often in video stores you'll even see sci-fi/horror sharing a section. Because of this, many films have come out over the years that mix science into their horrific mayhem. One of these movies I've watched recently is called Soft Matter. With so many movies toiling in the same waters, I was curious to see how it would fair.
Soft Matter begins by telling two stories. They are presented back-and-forth and come together for the climax, but for the most part they evolve independently. The center of everything is the storyline involving two scientists working tirelessly to unlock the secrets of immortality. They are obsessed with the idea of life without death, endless possibilities. They hope to achieve this using “immortal” animals such as the jellyfish and lobsters. In addition to these known creatures are an unknown fish and a plethora of monstrous experiments. The scientists' attempts anger a sea-god of some sort that they have in a bucket in the rundown hospital they work in.
While this is all going on, two graffiti artists are trying to get an art show going. They are interested in bettering themselves and showing what they can do, but where do they choose to have the show? You guessed it. Thinking the building in which immortality may be achieved is shutdown, they consider it the perfect place. Folks say it's haunted and the ambitious young duo are drawn to it. But their quest will have disastrous consequences.
Soft Matter has a lot going on and merges a lot of tones and styles. A character may break into song for a considerable amount of time or a random animated sequence will occur, but overall the tone is somber and dreary, even with the more ridiculous parts occurring. I won't say if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but for what it's worth, I was okay with it. The film makes some odd choices at times but seems to have a handle on what it's doing.
None of the acting has a particularly low note. The characters are interesting enough and I believed in their interactions with each other. The movie itself is shot well and the style is consistent, even if the tone and level of seriousness varies from scene to scene. It has a look all its own and it's fun at times to see the quirkier elements added into the desolate feel.
All in all, I recommend Soft Matter. It will put off some with its oddball approach, but I'll never criticize a film for being unique. The film seems random at times, but it leaves an impression, and I've never seen a film quite like it. It's ambitious but pays off and I never found myself bored with it. So, if you're looking for something with a dash of monsters, science and graffiti than I say it's at least worth a watch.
HMS received a screener for this film in exchange for review.
P.J. Griffin, HMS
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