Faces of Death Remake Review: Too Much or Just Enough?

Okay, so I just subjected myself to the new Faces of Death remake, and I’m still trying to process what I witnessed. The original was, let’s say, notorious. A low-budget collection of supposedly real (but mostly fake) scenes of death and carnage that became a VHS-era sensation. Why revisit that? In 2024? Well, here we’re. Let’s unpack this… thing.

What Is ‘Faces of Death,’ Anyway? And Why Remake It?

Back in 1978, the original ‘Faces of Death’ arrived, and it was… something. A mondo film, it presented itself as a documentary, showcasing gruesome scenes from around the world. Supposedly real deaths. Gruesome accidents. Animal mutilation. You name it, they probably faked it (or, allegedly, sometimes didn’t). It was a cultural phenomenon, sparking outrage, bans, and a whole lot of morbid curiosity. I remember being told by older kids about it in elementary school — tales of brains splattered and whatnot.

This 2024 version isn’t trying to pass itself off as real. Thank goodness. The premise involves a woman, played by Barbie Ferreira, who works for a content moderation company, and her boyfriend (Dacre Montgomery) who becomes obsessed with recreating the original film’s shocking scenes. Their goal? To push boundaries and, presumably, say something profound about our desensitized society. Or maybe just to gross us out. Jury’s still out. Check out our guide on Steve Kroft ’60 Minutes’ Confession: Why He Hated the Job. We covered this in WrestleMania Guest List: Why Lil Yachty is In, Carmelo Hayes Isn’t.

The cultural context is… complicated. We live in an age of endless online content, much of it disturbing. Real violence is readily available. So, what does a remake of ‘Faces of Death’ even do in this environment? Is it a commentary? An exploitation? Or just a bad idea? I suspect the answer is a bit of all three. And let’s be real, some things probably should stay buried. Controversial doesn’t automatically equal good.

Barbie Ferreira and Dacre Montgomery: Casting Choices and Performances

Casting-wise, Barbie Ferreira and Dacre Montgomery are… interesting choices. Ferreira, known for her role in ‘Euphoria,’ brings a certain Gen Z cynicism and world-weariness to the role. She’s the grounded one, initially repulsed by Montgomery’s character’s obsession.

Montgomery, fresh off ‘Stranger Things,’ goes full tilt into the unhinged boyfriend role. He’s charismatic, sure, but also deeply unsettling. You can see why someone would be drawn to him, and why they’d eventually run screaming in the other direction. He’s got the manic energy down. Maybe a little too well.

Their chemistry is… strange. It’s not exactly romantic. It’s more of a train wreck you can’t look away from. Their dynamic is key to the film’s (limited) narrative. You’re watching a descent into obsession, and their performances sell that, even when the script doesn’t.

Chemistry? Or Just Catastrophe?

Their chemistry isn’t exactly “good” chemistry, as in, you’re not rooting for them as a couple. It’s more of a… slow-motion car crash. And that’s probably the point. They represent two sides of our messed-up relationship with violence and spectacle. It’s not a comfortable watch. And I’m not sure it’s supposed to be.

Is the ‘Faces of Death’ Remake Too Gratuitous?

Okay, let’s talk about the gore. Because, duh, it’s ‘Faces of Death.’ You’re not exactly going in expecting a Disney movie. The film doesn’t shy away from graphic violence. We’re talking simulated dismemberment, torture, and other unpleasantness. Was it too much? Maybe. Depends on your threshold, I guess. For me? Yeah, there were definitely moments I wanted to fast-forward. Did I? No, because I’m a glutton for punishment.

One scene involves a recreation of the infamous “monkey brains” scene from the original, which is as disgusting as it sounds. Another features a simulated surgery gone wrong. And, of course, there are plenty of fake deaths, staged accidents, and other assorted horrors. The question is: does any of it serve a purpose beyond shock value? That’s where the film falters, in my opinion.

You might not expect this, but I mean, shock value has its place. But without a strong narrative or compelling characters, it just feels… empty. Like they’re trying too hard to be edgy. Which is, ironically, the exact criticism leveled at the original ‘Faces of Death.’

The Horror Movie Elements: What Works, What Doesn’t

Let’s be honest, this isn’t a particularly scary movie. It relies more on shock and revulsion than genuine suspense. There are a few jump scares, but they’re mostly predictable. The real “horror” comes from the graphic violence and the disturbing implications of Montgomery’s character’s obsession.

Cinematography-wise, the film is competently shot. Nothing groundbreaking, but it gets the job done. The editing is frantic, mirroring the chaotic nature of the content. But the sound design is… well, it’s full of screams and squelching noises. So, you know, what you’d expect.

Compared to Other Modern Horror?

Compared to other modern horror films, the Faces of Death remake feels… dated. It’s trying to be transgressive, but it lacks the subtlety and psychological depth of movies like ‘Hereditary’ or ‘The Babadook.’ Those films get under your skin. This one just makes you want to take a shower. You can find more truly disturbing content on websites like the Department of Justice’s website, and it’s a whole lot less entertaining. Not that “entertaining” is the right word here.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch the ‘Faces of Death’ Remake?

So, the million-dollar question: should you watch this movie? Honestly? Probably not. Unless you have a very high tolerance for gore and a morbid curiosity about the dark side of the internet. Even then, there are better ways to spend your time.

The film’s strengths are its performances – Ferreira and Montgomery are both committed to their roles, even when the material is lacking. Its weaknesses are its reliance on shock value, its thin narrative, and its ultimately unsatisfying exploration of its themes.

If you’re looking for a truly scary or thought-provoking horror movie, look elsewhere. If you’re just looking for something to shock you, well, this might do the trick. But be warned: you might regret it. As for where to stream it, you’ll have to check your usual horror haunts – Shudder, Screambox, maybe even the dark corners of Amazon Prime. Proceed with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what’s the ‘Faces of Death’ remake about?

The ‘Faces of Death’ remake reimagines the controversial original film, presenting a series of staged and real violent acts. It explores themes of mortality, sensationalism, and the human fascination with death.

Q: Who stars in the ‘Faces of Death’ remake?

The remake stars Barbie Ferreira and Dacre Montgomery in leading roles. Their performances are central to the film’s narrative and impact.

Q: Is the ‘Faces of Death’ remake actually scary?

Whether or not the remake is scary depends on individual preferences. It relies heavily on gore and shock value, which some viewers find disturbing while others may find it desensitizing.

Q: Where can I watch the ‘Faces of Death’ remake?

Availability varies, but the film is likely streaming on horror-centric platforms or available for purchase on digital marketplaces. Check your preferred streaming service for details.

Q: Why was the original ‘Faces of Death’ so controversial?

The original ‘Faces of Death’ was controversial due to its graphic depictions of violence and alleged use of real footage of death and suffering. It sparked debates about censorship and the exploitation of human tragedy.

Ultimately, the Faces of Death remake is a curiosity – a revisiting of a deeply problematic film in a very different cultural landscape. It raises questions about our relationship with violence, but doesn’t offer many answers. And honestly? I’m not sure it even knows what questions it’s asking.