Rent Contracted: Phase 1 (2013)

Spoilers follow ... - Contracted: Phase 1 review by NP

Samantha (Najarra Townsend) is a somewhat prickly, somewhat supercilious, usually unimpressed party girl who only has eyes (and smiles) for assured posh girlfriend Nikki (Katie Stegeman) – who is even less pleasant that she is! After being stood up at a party, Samantha has unprotected sex with BJ (Simon Barrett) – who may or may not have spiked her drink - only deciding against the idea once he is on top of her in the back of his car, the windows having had time to heavily steam up.

Seemingly as a result of this, Samantha begins to suffer a series of increasingly harrowing afflictions – heavy loss of blood, tinnitus, disorientation, cramps, heightened veins, hair-loss etc. Despite Samantha’s lofty characteristics, Townsend plays her very well and it is impossible not to empathise with her when her illness spirals out of control. What helps our empathy is the furthering reveal of Nikki’s character as utterly self-absorbed, and try as she might, Samantha will never figure in her life because she (Nikki) is always entirely preoccupied with herself and her sexuality.

To discuss the character of BJ– ‘Contracted’ opens with a scene of him having sex with a corpse in the mortuary where he works. It’s actually quite difficult to work out what is happening, which is a shame as the whole reason for Samantha’s decline is based on this detail. It is interesting that, for all his notoriety, we never clearly see his face (in the sequel, he is even played by a different actor).

Another slight issue I have is that the unfortunate girl’s physical decline is not always entirely consistent- sometimes her teeth are blackened, sometimes not; her eyes deteriorate into whiteness only to improve before deteriorating in the next scene. This isn’t a major problem by any means; it just means her transition from living to ‘other’ isn’t always a smooth one!

As a diary of what happens when pretty people are not so pretty anymore, this is interested and wince-inducingly watchable. It reminds me of 2012’s ‘Thanatomorphose’, which also features a young woman becoming increasingly decomposed and attempting to handle the situation alone. Here, the attitude of Samantha’s unsympathetic doctor (who judgementally suspects an STD) and mother appears to explain her reticence to seek further outside help.

Written and directed by Eric England, the first sequel (‘Phase II’) was released in 2015, and a further instalment is due for late 2017. I thoroughly enjoyed this, not ever knowing where the story was headed – instead, just ‘enjoying’ Samantha’s turmoil. Whether any explanations as to the nature of the malady will be revealed doesn’t really matter as long as the story is this horrifying and enjoyable.

Strangely compelling - Contracted: Phase 1 review by nm

One of those movies where when one of the cast die horribly you don't really care! This films seems quite dated although the special effects are quite good. Sadly, the characters have no character and are just annoying stereotypes. I was please when some of them met their grisly end.

Phase 1 ? - Contracted: Phase 1 review by porky

An interesting beginning to what may become an all out Apocalypse by Phase 3 if it ever gets made ?

Slightly Homophobic in making all the Lesbian Cast members seem Deeply Unlikable people ,Manipulative ,Drug taking and making sure they are Obviously in Need of Therapy and open to all sorts of STI infections.even if This one was passed on by a Predatory male.

Very Entertaining Movie and Interesting watching the Victim become the Aggressor as the story develops. Certainly worth watching and looking out for the Next installment if there ever is a Phase 2 or 3.... well worth a watch if you like Body Horror ,Zombies or Grossness.