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BODY PARTS

(SCREAMBOX EXCLUSIVE/SIDUS FILM PRODUCTIONS/DHL STUDIO/BLOODY DISGUSTING/CINEVERSE (104 minutes; Rated R); 2023)

The Korean (Heads up: There is reading involved!) horror anthology BODY PARTS (directed by Won-kyung Choi, Byeong-deock Jeon, Jisam, Jang-mi Kim, Gwang-Jin Lee and Wally Seo, but no information is given as to who directed which segment) offers a chilling exploration into the dark depths of cult-like fanaticism and personal vendettas. The film’s connecting thread follows a young reporter named Si-kyung (played by Kim Chae-Eun), who is hired by a detective known only as Mister Hwayoung to infiltrate a sinister cult-like ceremony by a group that worships a figure known as “the Father.” Each of the interconnecting stories focuses on a single cult member who must offer a gift in exchange for their release from their dread existence: The collection of a different body part by the five “participants.” Over the course of five different vignettes, the movie delves into the disturbing backstories of how each came to possess these individual body parts.

BODY PARTS (screen shot)

The film skillfully builds tension as it reveals the twisted actions that took place for these individuals to attain these specific body parts, starting with a story called “The Reek,” which leads to the attainment of a nose. Following is “Water Ghost Boy,” moving into the eyes. “exorcism.net” shows how Seon-min was able to acquire a tongue. Then we delve into “A Former Resident,” where Gyu-Hyeong was able to attain a torso. The story of what is unfolding with these gifts starts to become more and more in focus with the real motive of why the offerings are being delivered to the Father. When the young reporter is caught, she pleads to Mister Hwayoung for help, but he leaves her alone to face her fate. The betrayal leads to the detective’s own grim demise.

BODY PARTS (screen shot)

The narrative is haunting, with each character’s story adding layers to the cult’s ritual and its eerie allure. The climax, where the Father grants each member a wish to kill someone they hate, is both shocking and thought-provoking, leaving viewers questioning the price of revenge and blind devotion. The performances are gripping, with the cast (unfortunately, as with the directors, aside from the one exception above, there is almost no information about who played which part) delivering intense and believable portrayals of their tormented characters. The film’s atmosphere is suitably dark and foreboding, enhancing the sense of dread that permeates the story. Overall, the movie is a compelling psychological horror that examines the extremes of human desperation and the terrifying consequences of unchecked fanaticism. It’s a must-watch for fans of the horror genre who appreciate a well-crafted, unsettling narrative with an extra dose of gore, blood and splatter. BODY PARTS premieres on the Screambox streaming platform on July 30