From BLOODY DISGUSTING by Brian Keiper
After reinventing vampires with Habit (1995), it was only a matter of time before Larry Fessenden, horror’s greatest living independent filmmaker, tackled Frankenstein head-on. Released just before the recent explosion of Frankenstein-esque films, Depraved sets the action in modern-day New York City and deep into the psychology of our contemporary period. Along with rich themes of violence, PTSD of soldiers returning from recent conflicts in the Middle East, and the controversial practices of the pharmaceutical machine, the film is, at its heart, an exploration of the need for young men to be guided and mentored by loving and caring fathers and father figures. The creature (Alex Breaux) is guided by creator Henry (David Call) and Polidori (Joshua Leonard), neither of whom makes very positive role models, and the depraved sins of these fathers are eventually passed on to this son of theirs, who struggles to overcome it all. Though Depraved has not yet garnered the respect of some of Fessenden’s other films, its powerful themes, nuanced approach, emotional depth, and fiercely modern take on the familiar myth make this a film ripe for rediscovery.
Honorable Mentions: Frankenweenie (animated feature 2012), Frankenstein (2015—directed by Bernard Rose)
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