The Stink Of Flesh Review

Written by: deadhorse13   

Dexy and Nathan lead an alternative lifestyle, an ‘open relationship’. These kinds of things can prove difficult, but throw a zombie apocalypse into the mix and things can get, well, downright messy. This is the basic premise of Scott Phillips inventive indie zombie flick, The Stink Of Flesh. Shot on an obviously low budget, the film manages to subjugate its meager resources to inject fresh blood into the tired vein of walking dead films.

In a world overrun by the deceased we meet Matool (hopefully you Fulci fans get the reference), a self preservationist who is rather handy with some nine inch nails and a sledgehammer. He saves a young damsel from the clutches of some blue-skins and takes shelter in a house occupied by a questionable old man and two young boys. When the girl does not reward his heroics with some nookie, Matool abandons them all to their grisly (or if you will, gristley) fate. Next thing you know, he’s taken captive and brought to the home of our swingin’ subjects, Dexy and Nathan.

Nate explains to our captor that pickings are slim for his spouse’s unquenchable appetite, and convinces him to put down his nails to nail Dexy (while he watches, of course). We’re then introduced to Sassy (played by Gunnar ‘Leatherface’ Hansen’s niece, Kristin). Sassy is a little off her rocker, helped in no doubt by the deformed head growing out of her stomach who she likes to call Dottie (think Basket Case). Among her many weird quirks is the desire to slap the asses of the various men who do her all too loving sister, Dexy. There’s also the fact that Nathan keeps a hot, decomposing little number shackled in his shed for his own amusement. Fun times for all.

Before Matool can get too comfortable with the living situation they are visited by 3 army guys who have been attacked by a new strain of undead known as ‘hyper-zombies’. Dexy’s enthusiasm for the men (“It’s like Christmas!”) does not go unnoticed by Nathan who soon begins to feel a little crowded by the new suitors. Tension builds inside and outside the home as the flesh-eaters arrive in droves just waiting to pick off the next victim. The subtext of consumption, whether by the living or the dead, pervades as Dexy’s need for fresh meat in the bedroom is only surpassed by the ravenous ones outside who hold their own dark cravings.

The digital photography is above average and the punkabilly soundtrack is really enjoyable. The film moves along at a brisk pace despite the various plot details, and the characters (with the exception of the army guys) are all likable enough. Some unique twists keep things interesting and the dialogue is delivered capably (albeit with a few exceptions). The zombies are primarily of the lumbering Romero ilk with admirable makeup, and the gore effects and fight sequences are handled really well.

Through liberal doses of sex, violence, and humor, The Stink Of Flesh manages to linger well after the final frame unspools proving that through passion and determination you really can make something out of nothing. Check it out.