Click Here >> Watch/Download Rabid 2019 Online
Rabid: A Bloody Good Horror Flick
Are you a gore-loving horror movie fanatic? If so, have I got a treat for you. The 2019 horror film Rabid delivers on the promise of blood, guts, and jump scares.
The Storyline
Rabid follows the story of Rose, a young woman working in the fashion industry who is disfigured in a terrible accident. Desperate for help, she turns to a sketchy clinic that promises to fix her up with experimental stem cell treatments.
Unfortunately for Rose, these treatments come with some unintended side effects. She soon finds herself developing strange powers and turning into something far more dangerous than her original injury.
Fact vs Fiction
The concept of stem cell treatments gone wrong is definitely not new to horror films (I’m looking at you, Splice). However, director Jen and Sylvia Soska put their own spin on the trope by adding in some body horror and twisted sexuality.
All in all, Rabid is not based on any real-life events. But it does tap into some fears and anxieties that many people have about science and medical treatments.
The Casts
Laura Vandervoort, best known for her role in Smallville, delivers a solid performance as Rose. She manages to balance vulnerability and menace throughout the film’s runtime. Meanwhile, Ben Hollingsworth and Ted Atherton offer up some nice support as Rose’s love interest and boss, respectively.
But I have to give a shoutout to Hanneke Talbot, who plays Chelsea, a fellow patient of the sketchy clinic. Her portrayal of someone slowly losing their mind is both horrifying and heartbreaking.
Popularity and Score
Rabid currently holds a 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While it may not be winning any awards for its plot or dialogue, it’s worth noting that horror movies are often underrated by critics.
Plus, audiences seem to be digging it. The film has garnered praise from horror fans on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit.
Evaluation
Personally, I found Rabid to be an entertaining watch. The Soskas bring their signature flair for body horror and gore, and the film moves at a brisk pace. However, I do think that the plot could have used some more exploration. The story felt rushed at times, and some of the character arcs could have benefited from a little more depth.
Spectacular Cinematography
One thing that cannot be denied about Rabid is its stunning visuals. The color grading and camera work are top-notch, with each shot feeling intentional and impactful.
There’s one particular scene in which Rose is walking through a club filled with pulsing neon lights that stuck with me long after the credits rolled. It’s an example of how effective visual storytelling can elevate a movie.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Without giving too much away, I’ll say that Rabid has some truly standout moments (in both good and bad ways). There’s one particular sequence involving a cosmetic surgery gone wrong that had me covering my eyes in terror.
However, there are also some moments where the script falls flat. Some of the dialogue feels stilted or cheesy, and there are certain character decisions that left me scratching my head.
Creative Special Effects
Of course, any horror movie worth its salt needs to deliver on the gore factor. And Rabid certainly didn’t skimp in that department.
The film uses a combination of practical effects and CGI to create some truly gruesome moments. Whether it’s Rose’s disfigured face or the various creatures she transforms into, the special effects team deserves praise for their work.
Gossip Alert
If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes drama of Rabid, there’s not much to report on. The Soskas have been relatively quiet about their experience making the film.
However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time they’ve tackled material from legendary horror director David Cronenberg. Their first film, Dead Hooker in a Trunk, was inspired by Cronenberg’s early works like Shivers and Rabid.
The Dialogue
As I mentioned earlier, there are moments where the dialogue falls flat or feels too on-the-nose. However, there are also some clever lines sprinkled throughout the script.
One of my favorites comes from Rose’s boss Braden (played by Atherton). When asked what he thinks of the experimental stem cell treatments, he replies, “I don’t know. It’s like playing God with a two-bit casino budget.”
Analysis on Characters
The standout character in Rabid is undoubtedly Rose. She starts off as sympathetic and relatable, but quickly morphs (literally) into something far more terrifying.
On the other hand, some of the supporting characters felt underdeveloped. Chelsea, for example, has an intriguing backstory that’s hinted at but never fully explored.
The Crew Behind Rabid
Rabid was written and directed by the Soska sisters, who are known for their horror films like American Mary and See No Evil 2. The film was produced by Back 40 Pictures and Telefilm Canada.
The cinematographer was Kim Derko, while the special effects team included Jason Derushie and Jenni Welsh.
Production Design
Rabid takes place in a stylized version of Montreal that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The production design team did an excellent job of creating a world that’s both glamorous and seedy.
One standout set piece is the cosmetic surgery clinic, which looks like something out of a David Lynch film. The sterile white walls and surgical masks add to the feeling of unease.
Criticisms
While I enjoyed Rabid overall, I do think that it suffers from some pacing issues. The first half of the film moves at a breakneck speed, but then slows down in the middle for some character development.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – in fact, it’s nice to see horror movies that prioritize character over scares. However, I do think that some viewers may find themselves getting antsy during these slower moments.
Final Verdict
All in all, I would recommend Rabid to horror fans who are looking for something fresh and bloody. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it does deliver on what it promises: buckets of gore and some genuinely creepy moments.
Plus, Laura Vandervoort’s performance is worth watching on its own. She manages to make a character who could have easily been a one-note villain into someone fascinating and multi-dimensional.