TIFF 2024:Else (With Movie trailer)

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TIFF 2024: Else – A Mesmerizing Blend of Body Horror and Romance

Thibault Emin’s debut feature Else is making waves at TIFF 2024, and for good reason. This Midnight Madness selection is a unique and eerie fusion of romance, body horror, and existential dread, set against the backdrop of a strange epidemic that causes people to melt into their surroundings. If you’re into genre films that make you think while keeping you on the edge of your seat, Else is a must-watch.

The Story: Love in the Time of Melting

Else follows Anx (Matthieu Sampeur), an introverted man who’s not exactly relationship material in his own eyes. He’s surprised to wake up next to Cass (Édith Proust), a bold and confident woman, after what seems like a one-night stand. But as a strange connection develops between the two, a mysterious global epidemic begins spreading, causing the infected to physically merge with whatever they touch.

Quarantined in Anx’s small, claustrophobic apartment, the couple faces not just their budding relationship but also a new, terrifying reality: their surroundings, and even their neighbors, are starting to melt and merge into a grotesque, living mass. As the apartment walls close in—literally—the two must navigate their personal fears and the disturbing new world around them.

Body Horror Meets Romance

What makes Else stand out is its seamless blend of genres. It’s not just a horror movie or a romance—it’s both, layered with complex themes about connection, identity, and change. Emin takes body horror to the next level, using the eerie epidemic as a metaphor for how relationships can be both transformative and terrifying.

The film’s soundscape is a highlight, with sticky, unsettling sounds that match the tension between Anx and Cass as they explore their relationship. Whether they’re having deep, probing conversations or getting physically close, every moment feels heightened, amplified by the creeping sense that they’re losing control—of their surroundings and of themselves.

A Disturbing New World

As the epidemic worsens, Else transitions into full-blown horror territory with the introduction of grotesque creatures formed by the merging of people and objects. The visuals are as unsettling as they are fascinating, with Emin’s unique take on body horror pushing boundaries and evoking a sense of existential dread.

But even in its darkest moments, Else manages to ask big questions: What does it mean to lose yourself in a relationship? Can the end of the world be the beginning of something new? The film’s philosophical undertones add depth to the horror, making it more than just a creature feature.

Why You Should Watch It

Else is the kind of film that sticks with you long after you leave the theater. It’s a deeply atmospheric, genre-defying piece that combines the emotional weight of a relationship drama with the visceral thrill of body horror. If you’re a fan of films like Under the Skin or Possession, you’ll appreciate Emin’s unique vision and his ability to craft a world that’s as unsettling as it is beautiful.

Plus, with strong performances from Matthieu Sampeur and Édith Proust, Else brings both heart and horror to the screen in equal measure. It’s a film that’s sure to spark conversation, especially for those who love their genre films with a side of philosophical musing.

Showtimes at TIFF 2024

Catch Else at TIFF 2024 during these screenings:

  • Monday, September 9 – 11:59 pm (Royal Alexandra Theatre)
  • Tuesday, September 10 – 8:35 am (Press & Industry, Scotiabank Theatre)
  • Tuesday, September 10 – 5:45 pm (Scotiabank Theatre)
  • Thursday, September 12 – 9:10 am (Press & Industry, Scotiabank Theatre)
  • Friday, September 13 – 3:45 pm (Scotiabank Theatre)

If you’re looking for a film that challenges your expectations, makes your skin crawl, and tugs at your heartstrings all at once, Else is the one to watch at TIFF 2024. Don’t miss this genre-bending masterpiece.

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