Redefining Beauty Standards with Gore and Depth
Beauty standards: they’re impossible, oppressive, and everywhere. These ideals, often tied to mental health, career success, and relationships, shape how we see ourselves and others. Sasha Rainbow’s feature debut, Grafted, dives headfirst into this complicated subject, presenting a shocking, thought-provoking take on the lengths one might go to achieve societal perfection.
At its core, Grafted is a tale of identity, obsession, and the dark side of striving for acceptance. It follows Wei (Joyena Sun), a brilliant biochemistry student with a visible skin condition inherited from her late father, a scientist whose tragic death she witnessed as a child. Her father’s unfinished work—a revolutionary skin graft—becomes Wei’s fixation, pushing her down a bloody, irreversible path.
A Journey of Science, Struggle, and Survival
Now an adult, Wei leaves China to study in New Zealand, moving in with her estranged Aunt Ling (Xiao Hu) and cousin Angela (Jess Hong). Angela, with her polished appearance and popularity, embodies everything Wei wishes to be. But Angela’s disdain for her cousin only deepens Wei’s insecurities, as Angela and her friends Eve (Eden Hart) and Jasmine (Sepi To’a) continuously alienate her.
Despite the social hurdles, Wei earns a prestigious spot as lab assistant to her professor, Paul (Jared Turner), and sets out to complete her father’s groundbreaking work. Discovering that the rare corpse flower is the missing ingredient, Wei succeeds in perfecting the graft. Her triumph, however, is short-lived. A violent altercation with Angela escalates into chaos, and Paul’s betrayal—stealing Wei’s research—sends her spiraling into a gruesome and vengeful descent.
Layers of Horror and Social Commentary
While Grafted delivers on the gore, its depth goes far beyond the surface. The film explores the social capital of beauty, cultural identity, and the pressures of assimilation. Angela’s rejection of her Chinese heritage—mocking traditional food, desecrating an ancestor altar, and distancing herself from her culture—stands in stark contrast to Wei’s attempts to find belonging. The film also highlights racial dynamics, with Angela’s friend Jasmine (Tongan) offering kindness to Wei, while Eve (white and blonde-haired) embodies overt xenophobia.
Outstanding Performances and Stunning Visuals
The cast shines in this bold narrative. Joyena Sun’s debut performance as Wei is captivating, oscillating between vulnerability and ferocity. Jess Hong delivers a layered portrayal of Angela, balancing cruelty with inner conflict. Eden Hart and Sepi To’a excel as Eve and Jasmine, while Jared Turner’s sleazy professor is both repugnant and compelling.
Visually, Grafted is a masterpiece. Sean Bridle’s prosthetics, Tracey Henton’s makeup, and the special effects team led by Casey Belsham and Dean Clarke create scenes that are as visually striking as they are stomach-turning. Tammy Williams’ cinematography captures every haunting detail, elevating the film to a work of art.
Final Verdict
Grafted is more than just a body horror film—it’s a layered exploration of identity, race, and the unattainable ideals of beauty. Balancing edge-of-your-seat tension with meaningful commentary, it’s a must-watch for fans of the genre. Pair it with The Substance or Dans Ma Peau for a triple feature that will leave your skin crawling and your mind racing.
