User reviews

The synopsis for the 2022 horror movie "Grotesque" sounded interesting enough to get my attention. And with this movie being a horror movie that I hadn't already seen or heard, of course I opted to sit down and watch it.

Writer and director Brandon Rhiness was on to something here, because the movie had potential. However, it was just held back by being a low budget production I think. I found "Grotesque" to be watchable enough for what it turned out to be, but the movie wasn't particularly memorable or outstanding.

The acting performances in the movie were a bag of mixed nuts; some performances were good, while others were amateurish and sort of toe-curling to behold. And that just added to the permeating feel of low budget and home-made movie project that "Grotesque" had going on for it. I wasn't familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list.

"Grotesque" is a low-key movie in terms of special effects, because there practically weren't any in the movie. So you're not in for a grand spectacle of special effects and impressive slayings either, and that was a shame.

If you are an avid horror fan you might get an ounce of entertainment out of "Grotesque", but don't get your hopes up.

My rating of "Grotesque" lands on a four out of ten stars.

There exists a metaphorical circle, and contained within said circle are all things orderly and right. The circle is known as control. This movie is so far outside of that circle. From the first absolutely cringe worthy scenes, until final credit scrolls past the screen it is utter chaos. This film knows what it is and leans all the way into it, embracing every bit of insanity along the way. I was mildly entertained watching this, but mostly I'm questioning my mental stability for having sat through the entirety of it. That probably qualifies as a pre-existing condition. My health insurance is definitely going to drop me, smh. I guess that's all for this review. I have to go now. My planet needs me.

What in the world did I just watch. Elizabeth Chamberlain is Midred, a young lady with a long nose which might be the worst make-up job that I have ever seen. It seems to be made out of a piece of rubber glued onto the face of the actress.

Mildred is mocked at work and at a local bar by patrons and her self esteem is brought to a breaking point which drives her to take revenge on everyone who has wronged her.

Axes, scissors, knives, pool cues and whatever object is available are used to maim and kill her enemies for the length of the film.

The acting is at a porn movie level and only a few of the funny lines work. At least Ms. Chamberlain is likeable but as for the rest of the cast, forget it.

Imagine if you will a movie that relies heavily on prostheitic make up. A facial prosthetic that is right in the main view of the camera from virtually the first shot of the movie.

Now imagine that the prosthetic looks like a 3 year old made it out of modelling clay and applied it by throwing it at the cast member from the other side of a dark room.

Add the acting ability of a dead squirrel. Mix in the script work of someone who has never had a conversation with a human of any kind.

Now throw in a mix of "anyone that's willing to be in front of a camera" despite how they look or sound. Add to this a set that is clearly filled with less people than the situation calls for.

Right has all that soaked in? 6 minutes. That all happens in the first 6 minutes of this disaster of a movie. From then on it just gets worse.

Horrible camera work, horrible sound management, horrible cast, everyone involved in this wreck should be ashamed of this.

Dismissed.

This is a pretty forgettable movie from the start, really. The movie tries to make them threatening through their brutality, but it just didn't really work for me. I'm not exactly sure why, but it might have something to do with the performances.

The movie has a surprising amount of plot to it, and the story continues beyond the point where you might expect it to end. Again, it doesn't really work for me. It's just not all that interesting.

This movie is definitely watchable, but it is very forgettable. Its attempts at becoming sort of a legal thriller really don't work. And the actual ending is embarrassing; there's no way around that.

I like Higher Universe. They do a good job and I hope they continue to create new things with the same enthusiasm. That being said, I can't really recommend this movie to anyone.

It's like a friend asking you to watch their home made movie. I can enjoy the movie because I can see how my friend enjoyed making the movie, but how am I supposed to recommend that to anyone who doesn't know my friend? Production quality wise Grotesque is fine. Very watchable by no-budget indie standards. But when everything is done well, nothing really stands out.

The big sales pitch is the gore, but the vast majority of it is people being sliced by knives. Not that that in itself is a problem, there's just no catharsis. Things just happen like checking off items on a list. Even Mildred doesn't really have a character journey. She's not really loveable, she's happily spiteful and murders people at whim. Which, again, is fine, but it's a trait that turns on and off in a deus ex machina like manner.

Compare it to Hot Box, another Higher Universe film that features Elizabeth Chamberlain as Mary, a religious conservative that goes to a house party in effort to convert its party goers. Mary has a goal to convert people, but the story shows that she has a personality which is attracted to the party activities and she struggles to achieve her goal. By the end of the story her character has changed and developed because of her experiences. It's a notable story in a movie that has lots of memorable developing moments amongst its many characters.

Mildred could have her own developing story, but it wasn't built in. Mildred is sad because of her nose. Mildred loses her nose and kills people and this makes her happy. She eventually gets a boyfriend. That's about all we got. Mildred's direct antagonist, her superior at work, is more memorable because she has material goals and personality impulses guiding them. The real story of the movie is essentially the two or three scenes where her and Mildred directly interact.

I've harped on long enough. Grotesque is a nice indie film that was made by talented, fun loving people. It invites the audience to watch the fun, but it misses the mark on actually involving the audience to partake in the fun.

Possibly the worst acting I have seen in a movie. The wprst overall movie movoe I have seen in a while. It is on the level of a high-school play, if that.

Having lived in hollywood I find it incredible wth all the inspiring screen writers that the story and script could have made it to the screen. Its the kind of story one could write while on a bender over the weekend.

Like an Ed Wood film, its entertainment value, if any, is in how incredibly amateurish it is. If my kids had made it as teens I would be impressed, but concerned for their mental health. I am guessing the actors worked for free, just for the honor of being in a film. I don't expect the cast to be found in subsequent films.

I saw this described as a horror comedy on tubi and thats exactly what it is. Its the story of a woman bullyed for her looks who finally has enough and snaps. She almost becomes a superhero in a way with other people who have been bullyed to cheering her on. This movie is a low budget so it starts off slow and it has its rough patches but it is exactly what it is. It is funny and it's gross when the woman chops and slashes her way to revenge. It doesnt stack up to a hollywood budget film but it was really good and I was pulling for her too. While this is a low-budget film, it starts slowly and has some shaky spots, but it is exactly what it is. As the lady cuts and hacks her way to vengeance, it's both hilarious and disgusting. That doesn't compare to a Hollywood budget film, but it was extremely nice, and I was rooting for her as well.

This is clearly a B-Movie, and for people who love a certain kind of bad horror film, this is really great. The actors clearly had fun with their roles too, which I think added to the fun and the charm this film had. The acting wasn't the best, but nothing felt stiff or awkward.

Like the humour is obviously dark, but honestly it was a fun horror comedy that didn't take itself too seriously.

The plot was basic, but honestly satisfying, like you really rooted for the lead character, and her murder spree. So it's not going to be the best film you will see, but if its the kind of thing you'd go for. I think you'd have a lot of fun with.

I don't know what these negative reviews are on about this was a really fun movie to watch. I suppose if you were expecting a big budget movie with famos actors in it then you might not like this movie. But Grotesque isnt that type of movie. I watched on youtube the higher universe channel and they are a bunch of normal peopel and they have done a great job.

I saw another youtube review channel about Grotesque and the review lady was laughing and just loved it. She said she loved Elizabeth Chamberlain and loved Mildred and that Mildred should shine on and she should. Mildred is an amazing character and the kills are so outragous that they are very funny.

I agree that it is silly and so fun to watch. Its not a dark or negative type of horror at all its really fun and your cheering for Mildred to kill the people who are mean to her. I give this movie a 8/10 because I really enjoyed it. I hope they make another Grotesque and that Mildred comes back as long as it's funny like this one I will watch it too.

Mildred Moyer can't literally buy a break in life. She searches out a very very inexpensive doctor to fix her Pinocchio like nose. Surgery unfortunately doesn't go very well. Mildred's new look sends her into a state of revenge on all those that had mocked her looks. The storyline then goes completely bonkers. The gore is over the top. Pays many a homage to many horror classics (see if you can keep track). Well worth a watch. Elizabeth Chamberlain fits the role perfectly. Although being low budget I was highly entertained. This is a must watch if your a fan of horror comedy with lots of blood thrown.

I really agree with the reviewer that said it was 'unpretentious' and the person who said it 'wasn't trying to be more than it was'. To me, that's exactly the point here.

Grotesque is simply intended to be a comedy slasher about a woman who has been picked on so badly, that she looses her s#it and goes on a killing spree, and Grotesque delivers on that promise perfectly. It is easy to watch, it doesn't require any deep emotional investment or thought - it sets out to be an over the top revenge romp, and I think it perfectly nails that.

The writing is solid, the jokes are smile worthy, and the kills are so over the top and inventive, that you can't help but laugh. I've never seen a serial killer skip rope with someone's guts before, so that was worth the price of admission right there.

I went into this with little to no expectations, but I had a fantastic time. It reminds me of something I'd write when I was 14, but I mean that in a positive way. It's so silly and so fun to watch. Mildred is an amazing main character, you root for her because everyone else is so awful and she's got some great lines and delivery. There are a few lines that are a bit cringe ("hello cruel world!") but for the most part this has good, snappy writing. I love the nonchalant reactions everyone has to her killing people, especially at the end. And for having a lower budget, I think it looks pretty good too! A lot of the shots and sets give off a nice atmosphere. The kills were so over the top I couldn't help but laugh, this whole thing is so camp. My only complaint is that I wish we could've seen Mildred kill those gangsters who botched her surgery. That felt like a weird add-on, especially when it was never addressed again. But overall, I loved it. Not a movie for everyone, but definitely a movie for me.

My wife and I have watched this movie a few times now. Every time it is more enjoyable and we notice something new each round.

Not a huge budget digitally created blockbuster, but rather just a very well crafted movie, created by people who obviously have a genuine love for what they are doing.

Some actual laugh out loud moments, combined with a few skin crawly scenes, made for a very enjoyable viewing experience.

For all those who have been picked on throughout life, this movie gives a glimpse of what revenge taken to the extreme would look like.

Thank you to all involved and looking forward to the sequel.

Give 'em hell Mildred!

Grotesque is my kind of Movie.

Watching in a dark theatre, popcorn & a drink in hand...bring on the Fright.

Well this movie has, everything!

Suspense. Gore. Sexiness.

Even some laughs.

I liked Grotesque so Much, I went to Our local theatre to watch it, a Second time!

Sure I now knew how it ends, but watching Grotesque over & over, I found myself Enjoying all the different characters and how they 'got' or didn't 'get', what they deserved.

Looking forward finding Grotesque on my Streaming service, and telling my family...sure, you Could watch at Home, in the Dark, but if you can, go support your Local Theatre, and see This Horror Movie, where they serve delicious buttered, popcorn, and iced drinks!

I give Grotesque 9/10 Popcorn.

HEY EVERYBODY ITS ME (4), and today we review - Grotesque ...no not the film from the 80s ....no not the japanese movie either ..... but the NEW one !!!!

Okay i will start off by saying i watch horror films literally every single day of my life , and i have seen EVERYTHING slasher related and like / ripped off ever done and done and done over and over ..... its a part of the horror genre that is the only constant it seems ....

and here we have the next installment of a slasher film ....

and this is one of the few times its not just another run of the mill low budget waste of time , no its a low budget fill filled romp

thankfully this film KNOWS what it is, it KNOWS its a horror comedy meant to be fun and these kinds of movies are the best kind of indie / low budgets to watch ...it doesnt take itsself to seriously like so many indies horror comedy films try to do ... not enough comedy and it fails ....too much comedy and wow it fails bad ....you have to have that balance .... and honestly its hard to do that usually ....but this one does pretty good at it by taking some shots at a few tropes you seen in films and even commenting on those moments "well i guess that only happens in movies" etc ....as well as some of the over all ways the main character acts and reacts in situations .....

its story line is a bit silly BUT hits home for many people just wanting to feel like they fit in .... having a "weird" body part that you feel ashamed of and get made fun of for your whole life would be enough to drive anyone mad enough to become ....well... her lol....

the acting is on par with horror comedy, the sound is as well ..the over all quality and lighting , everything is decently done .... the FX , DO lack on occasion BUT is forgiven considering the film isnt going for the perfect million dollar film , they are going for a fun horror film ....and they completly succeed

and finally her mask ...though it isnt a burned face, a iconic hocky rip off (thank you) or william shatner ...its effectively good .... its simple, and fits her face perfectly ... she looks fantastic in it and as a slasher her over all demeanor is great as well ... she fits that role perfectly ....

the only complaint i have for this film is ...the ending .... it didnt leave for a sequel ... and honestly on a indie horror comedy level i could see this as a franchise EASY if done in the same over all style each film ....

8/10

.

And that is the refreshing part. It's not scary, it's not serious, it's charmingly silly and I loved it.

Mildred is a sweet soul pushed too far and boy does she take revenge in a whimsical way. She reminds me of me, without the nose and knife 😜

Love the silliness, the premise, Mildred is loveable, wacky and very crazy haha. The usual horrible ones are well played also not serious at all, so yeah it truly is refreshing. If I'm repeating myself it's because of the stupid character requirements on this review, but it's worth it because I wanted to leave a review for this movie, cos I enjoyed it, in this landscape of movies that are painfully political or try too hard or take themselves way too serious this was welcome and I actually laughed a lot. When I read the movie description initially I didn't think I'd like it, never expected it to be fun, but yeah, it is. And that's just me being honest. Give it a look but remember, it's supposed to be silly, so don't bash it for lack of realism, cos that's kinda the whole point.

Loved this! I usually do not watch films of this genre, I guess I just haven't ventured there yet and I really liked this film! The mix of humour in with the horror was not at all what I expected and really kept my attention! From staples to saws to arrows and of course much blood and gore and spattering, throw in a little bit of bay watch for added enjoyment, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed watching a horror! The flippant attitude of Mildred made me laugh and yet at the same time wonder, or perhaps realize, that there are probably like minded psychopaths out there in the real world, scary thought! The makeup and effects artists did a great job! Mildred's character was "dead" on and I so enjoyed her performance.

Grotesque was released in 2022 and I'm surprised I'd never heard of until recently. I watch a lot of indie horror movies and it's a horror comedy, my favorite, so I don't know how I missed it for so long. This is a very funny movie. Low budget indie horror comedy is harder to pull off than a straight up low budget slasher because good comedy requires great writing and great delivery. Slashers can get away with weak writing and acting as long as the kills are fun and practical effects look good. Luckily writer/director Brandon Rhiness is a funny guy who knows how to write a funny movie. He also assembled a great cast who understood the assignment and had the acting chops to pull it off. My idea of great horror comedy is Snatchers (2019), Shaun of the Dead, Tucker & Dale vs Evil, and more recently, Brad Twigg's Crackcoon. I don't consider a horror comedy successful unless I'm laughing out loud, and like all these examples of great horror comedies, Grotesque definitely had us chortling.

The cast is wonderful. The "mean girls" are perfect, and are led by the ultimate Karen, Blanche, played by Julie Whelan who absolutely nails the role. When an actor playing an unlikable role makes you despise the character you know they killed the part. Julie's portrayal of Blanche reminds me of Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano which I think is the gold standard for an actor doing a great job making people absolutely loathe the character. These are performances that genuinely elicit emotions from the audience.

Jaime Hill of Skinamarink fame is great as unappreciated mean girl wannabe Nina, and Tom Antoni stands out as Dr. Walsh. One of my favourite parts of the movie is the scene with the sarcastic homeless people, they were all great. Grotesque probably has the best golf scene of any movie outside of Happy Gilmore, and the photo shoot scene is another hilarious bit.

Elizabeth Chamberlain is brilliant as the lead character Mildred. In addition to being an accomplished singer Chamberlain is a very funny actress. Grotesque is essentially a Mildred origin story, but think Joker, not Batman. There's already a great sequel, Grotesque 2, that was released this year. Unlike the second Joker movie, Grotesque 2 actually lives up to the original (but that's a different review).

Grotesque's score is perfect and the soundtrack is fun. Chamberlain's original song "Casually Suicidal" is catchy and Chamberlain is an exceptional singer, in fact she recently released a new song with Srvent titled Beast Mode. It's great, the video is on YouTube.

Production quality is high, every scene is well lit, I never struggled to see what is happening. Dialogue is clear and sound levels, even when the audio transitions from dialogue to music, are consistent, I wasn't constantly adjusting the volume. Poor lighting and poor sound quality or uneven audio levels often plague lower budget productions but happily Grotesque gets it all right.

The practical effects are well done and there are many fun and inventive kills. The emphasis is on the comedy aspect of the kills, as opposed to mindless gore, and the tone is always light and jovial, like the other horror comedies I mentioned earlier. But don't get me wrong, there's still lots of blood and guts flying around.

Grotesque's under 80 minute runtime is perfect, it never drags and it's never boring. It's a quick, easy watch, and if you haven't seen it yet it's currently streaming free on Tubi. I definitely recommend it for every fan of horror comedies, this is a good one.