Both the lead actors have managed to convey through their craft the anguish of wanting to escape the bondage of irrationality that has them on a firm grip, to break free of a place where utter madness thrives that is like a black hole where everything gets sucked in. Infectious madness. Horrific scenes depicted that is both spine-tingling and downright repugnant. Interpreting the film as an allegory of a failed marriage is the nearest thing some can reach as a satisfying explanation to much of the harrowing mess captured on screen. But my take on the symbolism is that it has something to do with Mr. Zulawski opting to protect the innocence of some of the audience who might not yet be able to recognize what those darker subtexts are, cryptic issues that are better left for people with an unshakeable disposition to ponder on. I love the mind-blowing surrealness of the film. But that ultimately drags the film into being just an acquired taste that only belongs to that list of films that have almost reached the peak of horror film brilliance. My rating: A-flat.

An incredibly bizarre film about the dissolution of a marriage told through the lens of the creature/body horror genre. Lots of lofty, philosophical dialogue as well about religion and human nature, though tonally the film goes for outlandishness and, at times, comedy, rather than feeling stuffy and intellectualized. Most of my enjoyment was derived from the unique genre-mashing, very compelling and somewhat experimental camerawork, and the absolutely unhinged performances. The acting in this film is really quite something. If you've ever seen a film by Andrzej Zulawski, you're aware that he directs his actors in a very atypical way and the result is what most would call "overacting." In this film, the absurdity and sheer intensity of the performances works quite well and leads to some truly arresting moments. However, the "heightened" acting style persists in nearly every scene, even those that may not really call for it. I fully realize that this is the style Zulawski is going for, but to my taste it was occasionally off-putting and took me out of the film. Perhaps just a bit more restraint here and there could've magnified the impact of the most volatile moments. It also felt like the film could've done a bit better at escalating the tension as it progressed. It's at full throttle nearly right out of the gate and manages to sustain that nicely, but it comes off feeling a bit one-note by the end. Again, some restraint could've possibly made the proceedings feel more dynamic. Regardless, it's a very unique and notable film with great performances that's very much worth checking out if you're into this sort of thing.Light 4/5

After finding this on a "Top 10 Body Horror Films" list, I decided to give this movie a go, based on the scant few images I managed to find online.The general idea is about a married man who is having problems with a unfaithful wife, who appears to be slowly going more and more insane as the film goes on. It actually isn't until well over halfway through the film that the movie ever actually takes on any sort of aspect that is even remotely similar to any sort of horror film. And as soon as it does, it makes no sense whatsoever, which includes the ending. Long winded, boring, this are just a few words I use to describe this film. The pacing is awful, the writing is awful, even the actors are awful. I can't believe I wasted my time watching this film.

I am glad I watched this film alone on DVD because I would have been embarrassed sitting in a cinema with other people. The acting is both artificial and appalling, and the script (?) risible. There simply is no meaning or sense to most (any?) of what is said (or done). Yeah, I get the mental breakdown bit bla bla bla, but even so..... If you love that type of thing, great - go, see it and inject your own meaning to a very blank canvas; if not, stay well away. And no, I am not a fan of Star Wars-type films.