"Grafted" - movie review

Wei’s obsession takes a dark turn in Sasha Rainbow’s Grafted.

Body horror has taken center stage over the past two years, becoming the go-to genre for countless features and shorts. Audiences seem to have developed an increased tolerance for the grotesque, with many embracing the genre’s visceral nature. However, this rise in popularity brings a challenge for filmmakers: comparisons. Every new entry in the genre inevitably faces the shadow of the reigning body horror masterpiece—a shadow that could soon be cast by an Academy Award-winning film, validating the genre’s appeal while, unfortunately, eclipsing other works carving out their own distinct niches.

Enter Sasha Rainbow’s Grafted, a film that boldly creates its own lane, exploring the cruelty of adolescence through a chilling lens of horror and obsession. Blending Asian cultural themes, teenage struggles, and contemporary gore, Grafted ascends to remarkable heights and stands alone in the body horror realm.

The story centers on Wei (Joyena Sun), a brilliant yet awkward university student living a Mean Girls-esque existence. Burdened by a prominent birthmark on her face, Wei is resigned to life in the shadows, her insecurities amplified by her cruel cousin Angela (Jess Hong), who embodies the ideal of beauty and mocks Wei at every opportunity. As Wei contends with relentless bullying and a desperate need to gain her professor’s approval, her struggles morph into a dangerous obsession, threatening to unravel everything around her.

The film takes a dark, unrelenting turn in its second half, showcasing Rainbow’s deep understanding of horror’s power. Uneasy and unnerving sequences flow seamlessly throughout Grafted, evoking a haunting nostalgia for a bygone era of the genre. From its ambiguous time period—hinted at through costume and set design—to its sharp narrative focus on social hierarchies and personal transformation, Grafted feels timeless yet timely.

Rainbow’s direction ensures that Grafted delivers a visceral punch to the senses, solidifying it as a standout gem to kick off 2025. To fully appreciate it, leave your preconceptions about the genre’s current titans at the door and watch with an open mind. You won’t be disappointed.

Rating: 4/5

Director: Sasha Rainbow

Screenwriters: Sasha Rainbow, Mia Maramara, Hweiling Ow, Lee Murray

Cast: Joyena Sun, Jess Hong, Eden Hart, Jared Turner, Sepi To’a, Xiao Hu

Producers: Murray Francis, Leela Menon