A decent monster movie lurks somewhere in ‘Discarnate’

The meaning behind the term (and the title of the film being discussed), Discarnate – conjures any number of disturbing images – ghosts, spirits, demons – or in the case of this particular film – something wholly unknown/mysterious and some horror which is almost indescribable. A group of scientists, headed by Dr. Andre Mason (Thomas Kretschmann of Blade II and Resident Evil: Apocalypse) are looking to perfect a drug which will allow its users to make contact with the other side, thus hopefully confirming life after death.

The researchers set up shop in a rundown home in the Los Angeles outskirts and prepare to experiment on themselves. Using the recipe of a sort of peyote-style holistic mix – provided by Maya Sanchez (Nadine Velazquez), the group quickly settles in and begins to experience possible hallucinations, bumps in the night and seemingly every possible inexplicable oddity in this decrepit and very creepy house. Dr. Mason is intent on dealing with the overwhelming grief surrounding his son’s disappearance (which we’ll learn about in the film’s prologue) and to find out exactly what happened to his missing child.

In Discarnate, there are two competing central characters, and this could have/should have been remedied. We get histories (complete with each character’s debilitating grief ) for both Maya and Andre. And it feels like a bit of a tennis match, trying to figure out where we as the audience need to place our love and our concern.

The make-up effects throughout the film, including some Rick Baker-inspired transformations are an easy highlight. The creatures look like some sort of clay monstrosity – faceless and malleable and terrifying. There are a lot of them throughout the film – for the first two acts mostly out of focus in the background. But when they’re brought into the forefront for the climax (required by the story’s direction) – and in plain, grotesque sight – you won’t be disappointed.