Body Melt: The Slime-Fueled Cult Horror You’ve Never Seen
What do you get when you mix copious amounts of slime, absurd characters, and a plot that’s barely there? Body Melt (1993)—a film so bizarre, it makes even the strangest cult classics look tame. It is one of those rare films that defies easy description—a grotesque blend of horror, comedy, and absurdity that leaves you both amused and bewildered.
History and inspiration
In the 1990s, nowhere was immune from the allure of a miraculous drug that could help you shift the pounds. The weight-loss industry saw the rise of fen-phen. This popular diet drug combined appetite suppressants fenfluramine and phentermine. Although it was never certified for safe use by the FDA, it became highly popular. Many users reported significant weight loss.
Such drugs were eventually linked to serious health issues. These included heart valve disease and lung problems – leading to its withdrawal from the market in 1997. The manufacturer faced significant legal consequences, allocating around $21 billion to settle lawsuits. This period highlighted the risks associated with diet drugs, where quick-fix weight loss often overshadowed safety concerns.
Body Melt was born within a climate of fascination with these miracle drugs. Demand soared in both the US and Australia. I cannot say that the health consequences of such pills were fully realised by the public in 1993. Yet I do believe that it was an inspiration for the film. I also believe that horror is a manifestation of what fears pervade society. After all, the purpose of horror is to scare people, and knowing what causes anxiety to the average Joe is good for business.
This fascination with miracle drugs like fen-phen, which were both promising and perilous, is mirrored in Body Melt. Set against this backdrop, the film presents a plot where residents of Pebbles Court become unknowing subjects of a drug that causes horrific body horror.
Plot Summary
Now, lets not talk history, but get to the minuscule plot of Body Melt. Residents of calm Pebbles Court in Homesville, are unknowing guinea pigs for a new ‘Body Drug’ that causes fast disintegration, and horrible death. Some are invited to a health spa, which is owned by the same company that manufactures the drugs. Some are sent free samples. As a result, almost everyone dies. That’s it.
Body Melt Review
This movie reminded me very much of Dead Alive, released the year before. While Body Melt shares Dead Alive‘s penchant for outrageous gore and slapstick, it falls short of delivering a cohesive narrative. Where Dead Alive (1992) excels with its campy charm and comedic timing, Body Melt stumbles with its lack of plot and jarring editing choices. This Ozploitation flick exhibits a few things. An obsession with copious amounts of gungey human filth. Zany and 2D characters, and plenty of slapstick.
Unlike Dead Alive, the plot is completely non-existent. Body Melt has the annoying habit of fetishising ill-placed fade-to-black scene-cuts. It also stuffs in futuristic-sounding drum and bass where it does not fit. These editing choices, along with overextended scenes, contribute to a viewing experience that often feels tedious rather than engaging.
You may already have the opinion that I did not like this movie. I somewhat liked it. I felt that if I was to compare this flick to a book, it would be Cows (1998). Much like Body Melt, Cows has a flimsy plot, outrageous visuals, and plenty of gunk! All are ingredients for an entertaining ride. Yet, classifying this movie as Splatterpunk, however, may be a bit of a stretch. These thematic similarities, despite Body Melt‘s execution flaws, give the film an intriguing, if not fully realized, edge.
The practical effects in Body Melt are undeniably its standout feature. It’s a relentless barrage of grotesque, goo-filled scenes that are as inventive as they are repulsive. The special effects team excelled in creating over-the-top visuals that delivered exactly what they set out to do—disgust and entertain in equal measure.
Fans of outrageous horror will appreciate the dedication to shock value, and the sheer amount of effort put into crafting each revolting moment. However, these strengths are somewhat undermined by the film’s erratic editing and pacing issues. Despite even the most impressive visuals, this cannot make up for the film’s other shortcomings. Some scenes often drag on far too long! They lose their impact and become tedious instead of terrifying or humorous.
The film’s editing further detracts from its potential. Awkward fades-to-black and ill-fitting drum and bass tracks create a disjointed viewing experience. This pulls the audience out of the chaotic fun rather than immersing them in it. The strange, erratic pacing jars against the otherwise meticulous practical effects. A complete lack of cohesion permeates the film, which is evident in this latter point.
Despite these flaws, Body Melt may still appeal to fans of offbeat horror who are willing to endure its missteps for the sake of its bizarre spectacle and inventive gore.
