Written by Luke Barnes
Summary
After his life falls apart Paul, played by Johnny Galecki, decides to go away on a cleansing retreat to unexpected results.
This whole same plot line was done far better in a twenty minute episode of Rick and Morty. Basically, during Paul’s stay at the retreat he sicks up some form of parasite that is supposed to represent all of his bad qualities, and as part of the retreat he has to kill it so he can become the person he wants to be. The difference between this and the very similar plot line on Rick and Morty is in the latter it only lasts for twenty minutes and the resolution is infinitely better. I thought from the beginning it was incredibly obvious where the film was heading.
The acting is fine Galecki is serviceable enough, no one really stands out. The thing I would give the film props for is the design of the creatures especially as they aged and became more monstrous, I thought they were well designed and made the appropriate impact.
Tonally this film is a mess as it doesn’t seem able to decide what it wants to be, there are serious moments ruined by a poorly written joke for example. It should really either be a straight horror or a darker comedy and not try for both as the writing just isn’t there.
Overall, some good ideas and strong creature design is balanced by a contrived and easy to guess story with a poorly thought through tone.
Pros.
Galecki
The creature design
Some interesting ideas
Cons.
Rick and Morty did it better
The tone is all over the places and clashes frequently
It is incredibly predictable
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