A deep dive into ‘Else’: A pandemic romance turned body horror

The dual nature of romance and horror

The notion of becoming inseparable from another person can be either beautifully romantic or completely terrifying. In his feature film debut, Else, director Thibault Emin explores this concept, initially flirting with the light-hearted charms of a romantic comedy, only to steer directly into the disorienting depths of body horror.

Premiering at the Toronto Film Festival, Else follows a budding couple ensnared in a complex web of threats from the outside world. The film’s primary setting, a vividly detailed apartment, doubles as both a sanctuary and a suffocating prison.

A visual and philosophical odyssey

Despite its occasionally heady themes, Else captivates with its visually rich storytelling, blending the surreal with the tangible. Emin’s approach provides a unique take on a pandemic fable, merging it with a philosophical examination of individuality.

Character focus: Anx and Cass

At the heart of the story is Anx (Matthieu Sampeur), whose name is wisely indicative of his anxious nature. Anx struggles to establish meaningful connections with others, as evidenced by his child-like bedroom adorned with red sheets, purple walls, and scattered toys. His inability to communicate effectively with his building’s neighbors only makes his encounter with Cass (Édith Proust) all the more intriguing.

Cass, a whirlwind of personality, is everything Anx is not—a loud, confident counterpart to his cautious demeanor. Their initial meeting is far from conventional, setting the stage for what appears to be a playful romcom. However, Emin hints early on that something darker looms on the horizon.

A descent into chaos

The narrative quickly shifts gear with the introduction of a skinbound illness that disrupts the world’s equilibrium. Individuals begin melding with their surroundings—phones, pavements, even rocks—and Anx’s paranoia sets in. He isolates himself in his apartment, only to be joined by Cass, eager to face the lockdown with her new partner.

Their fragile intimacy is soon threatened by an unknown force that absorbs everything in its path. Emin’s film evolves into a horror narrative, reminiscent of sci-fi chills with the infamous phrase, “resistance is futile,” echoing through their struggles.

Cinematic craftsmanship

One of the standout elements of Else is the cinematography by Léo Lefèvre. The film seamlessly transitions from a dreamy romance—with imagery akin to home videos—to stark lo-fi sci-fi visuals, devoid of color and imbued with a raw, elemental horror. Lefèvre’s black-and-white shots evoke the artistry of early cinema pioneers like Méliès and Wiene, enhancing the eerie atmosphere.

As Anx and Cass navigate the confined spaces of their apartment, the ever-present threat outside looms larger. Lefèvre’s creative visuals ensure that even the most bizarre moments of body horror remain visually captivating. His camera uncovers the unsettling beauty within the film’s confines, elevating the narrative to an awe-inspiring level.

Exploring tactile surrealism

Emin masterfully combines tactile elements with surreal storytelling, ensuring that each part of the apartment—objects, landscapes, surfaces, and even skin—exudes an alienating presence. This artistic approach forces the audience to perceive these elements differently, aligning with the film’s thematic exploration of perspective and individuality.

Else is a rollercoaster of genres, blending playful romcom elements with stark horror undertones. Its unpredictable shifts in tone might test the audience’s patience, but the intentional jarring nature of these transitions underscores the film’s unique storytelling.

At one juncture, a rock monster brings a playful touch, while the final act turns somber, anchored by a fable about evolution and the lungfish. This tonal whiplash might be unsettling, yet it is thoughtfully orchestrated to challenge and engage viewers.

Final thoughts

Despite its ambitious genre-blending and aesthetic acrobatics, Else emerges as a singularly bizarre cinematic experience. Emin’s debut feature feels both meticulously crafted and chaotically unrestrained, much like the fearsome entity it portrays.

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