Watch Patchwork

"Patchwork" is a horror-comedy movie from 2015 that presents an unconventional take on the classic Frankenstein story, adding female empowerment and humor to the mix. Written by Chris Lee Hill, directed by Tyler MacIntyre, and starring Tory Stolper, Tracey Fairaway, and Maria Blasucci, the movie follows the twisted adventures of three young women who wake up in a laboratory with their bodies merged to create one monstrous creature.

The movie opens with Jennifer (Tracey Fairaway), Ellie (Tory Stolper), and Madeleine (Maria Blasucci), three very different women who all end up in the same bar on a night they won't remember. The next thing they know, they wake up in a basement laboratory with their bodies sewn together as one. As they try to come to terms with their new reality, they realize they are not alone in the lab, and soon have to face their captor and find out why they were put together.

The movie cleverly uses a non-linear narrative structure to give insight into the personalities and histories of the three women, making their union all the more absurd and hilarious. Jennifer is a cold and calculating businesswoman who likes to keep things in control, Ellie is a fun-loving party girl with a heart of gold, and Madeleine is a quiet and introverted artist with a macabre side. As they navigate their new body and try to figure out how to separate themselves, they spark unlikely friendships and learn to take control of their situation.

The humor in "Patchwork" comes mostly from the interactions between the three characters and their attempts to come to terms with their new reality. They constantly bicker and make jokes at each other's expense, but also provide support and encouragement when things get tough. The movie humorously subverts some of the tropes of the horror genre, making the monster a trio of women instead of a male mad scientist and presenting some of the gory scenes in a satirical way.

The horror elements of the movie come mostly from the graphic scenes of the sewn-together bodies and the reflection on the moral and ethical implications of experimenting with human bodies. The main antagonist of the movie, played by Corey Sorenson, is a creepy and disturbed scientist who sees the women as mere objects to be experimented on, and the movie presents a commentary on the objectification of women as well as the dangerous consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.

One of the strengths of "Patchwork" is also the creative visual effects used to depict the fused body, which is both grotesque and fascinating. The movie relies on practical effects and make-up rather than CGI to bring the monster to life, and the result is impressive and unsettling. The cinematography and lighting also contribute to the eerie mood of the movie, with the lab being portrayed as a sterile and claustrophobic environment.

Overall, "Patchwork" stands out as a unique and enjoyable horror-comedy movie that mixes humor, satire, and gore in a deliciously twisted way. The trio of actresses deliver great performances, bringing depth and humor to their roles and making the audience sympathize with their plight. The movie has its share of flaws, such as some pacing issues and a few underdeveloped characters, but it more than makes up for it with its fresh take on the Frankenstein myth and its clever blend of horror and comedy elements.

Patchwork is a 2017 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.