DVD Review: Contracted

By Brad Henderson

Dirty, gross, and brilliant are a few words that come to mind while trying to describe Contracted, a new film distributed by IFC Midnight (not on Blu. . . sigh) that’s been somewhat of a hit on the festival circuit. I’ve known about Contracted for a little while but just haven’t gotten around to watching it until tonight. Now I’m sorry I waited so long to view this masterpiece. Yes, it’s a masterpiece.

Contracted isn’t a mash-up of genres but it really doesn’t fall into a genre. Of course people look at it as a horror film and ultimately, I guess you could clarify it as one, but it is so much more than that. I haven’t seen a film that’s hit as many levels as Contracted does. It leaves you wanting more and more. Every time you think that it has pushed its limits, it pushes them again and right into your face.

Contracted is written and directed by Eric England who brought us the mildly fun Madison County a few years back. After I found out he directed this movie I was intrigued. He showed great promise with Madison County even though he didn’t do anything new with it and it felt like another backwoods vacation movie gone bad. That isn’t a bad thing. The effects and the acting were promising but the story and conclusion both fell flat. I’m glad to say that Eric England hits every note on the nose with Contracted.

At first I thought the film was going to just focus on grossing people out but it took a turn with a fantastic story and an exploration of the in-depth mental state of someone who goes through the torture and torment of dealing with a horrible incident. I admit that the film will probably gross you out but that isn’t what it’s trying to do. Everything from the acting, editing, sound design, and the beauty of each and every shot make Contracted different from all the other films you will see this year. Also it has one of the best endings I’ve ever seen in a movie. Quote me on that.

So please, contract Contracted, sulk in your own disease, and let this film infect you. I promise you will not look for a cure.

Contracted was released on DVD by IFC Midnight on March 18.