Reviews: Depraved (2019) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama
Subgenres: Creatures, Psychological, Autopsy, Back from the Dead, Medical, Military, Frankenstein
Horror fans will enjoy our review of Depraved (2019), where we cover its story, scares, and how it ranks among modern horror classics.
Depraved reimagines Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein tale in modern-day Brooklyn. Directed by Larry Fessenden, the film follows Henry, a former army medic grappling with PTSD, who endeavors to create life by assembling body parts and reanimating them. His creation, named Adam, embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery, confronting themes of identity, memory, and the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration.
Depraved (2019) – A Contemporary Frankenstein with Indie Flair
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
Set against the gritty backdrop of Brooklyn, Depraved delves into the psyche of its characters, particularly focusing on Henry’s torment and Adam’s quest for humanity. The narrative intertwines modern science, ethical dilemmas, and the timeless struggle of creation versus creator, offering a fresh perspective on the age-old Frankenstein mythos. Adam’s evolution from a naive being to one burdened with existential questions mirrors the film’s exploration of what it truly means to be human.
Acting and Cinematography
Alex Breaux delivers a haunting portrayal of Adam, capturing the character’s innocence and subsequent turmoil with depth and nuance. David Call, as Henry, embodies the conflicted scientist torn between ambition and morality. The film’s cinematography employs a lo-fi, psychedelic aesthetic, immersing viewers in Adam’s fragmented consciousness and enhancing the narrative’s unsettling atmosphere.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Larry Fessenden‘s direction pays homage to classic horror while infusing it with contemporary sensibilities. His deliberate pacing allows for profound character development, though some viewers might find the film’s nearly two-hour runtime a tad prolonged. The fusion of traditional horror elements with modern themes showcases Fessenden’s ability to revitalize familiar stories, though certain segments may feel overly familiar to aficionados of the genre.
Strengths:
Innovative reinterpretation of the Frankenstein narrative
Compelling performances, particularly by Alex Breaux
Thought-provoking exploration of identity and ethics
Distinctive visual style that complements the film’s themes
Weaknesses:
Pacing issues that may test some viewers’ patience
Occasional reliance on well-worn horror tropes
Limited development of supporting characters
Final Verdict & Score: 6/10
Depraved offers a thoughtful and eerie update to the Frankenstein legend, marked by strong performances and a unique visual approach. However, its deliberate pacing and occasional predictability prevent it from achieving greater impact. While it may not resonate with all audiences, it stands as a noteworthy entry in indie horror cinema.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Depraved Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7.17/10
- MetaCritic: 6.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 8.7/10
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