Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” has been a classic piece of literature and cinematic history in the world of horror. It has been imitated numerous times and inspired countless other tales. None, however, resemble Laura Moss’ “Birth/Rebirth” which made its Quebec premiere at Fantasia Festival.
Celie (Judy Reyes; “Smile”) is a hard-working nurse, consistently in the midst of long, exhausting shifts at her hospital. So long, actually, that she sometimes misses out on some quality time with her six-year-old daughter, Lila (A.J. Lister). In that same hospital works a morgue technician, Rose (Marin Ireland; “The Dark and the Wicked”, “The Boogeyman” and “The Empty Man”), who has such cold and emotionless interactions with those around her that she seems to have a better connection with the cadavers she handles. When a terrible event links both of their fates together, their lives will dissolve into a whirlwind of moral decisions and blood.
Writing and directing her very first feature film, Laura Moss brings an emotional drama to the table with a horror premise that will have the audience wondering to just which lengths they would go in their moral and ethical choices for the survival of a loved one. Make no mistake: this is a slow burner with little to no jump scares or violence, but it does contain characters that will undeniably be adored and a decent amount of visually striking practical effects. Moss succeeds in creating a bond between her main characters despite them being radically opposite personalities, all while maintaining some sinister suspense in regards to the medical phenomenon occurring within its plot.
Judy Reyes is incredibly relatable in her performance, demonstrating her talent through a vast array of emotions from beginning to end. The true star, however, is Marin Ireland in her portrayal of the socially inept, yet incredibly brilliant morgue technician. As the tale progresses, the audience will undeniably have a soft spot for Rose who seems extremely distant and apathetic, but who also has a certain charm to her because of those same characteristics. Together, both actresses share a chemistry that goes a long way in “Birth/Rebirth”.
Despite being a slow-moving film, viewers get to dive deep into the main characters’ lives and how they were shaped into who they have become. Their backstories offer insight into their personalities, their strengths, weaknesses and why they do what they do. It becomes interesting to observe how close of a bond both women create, living together almost as a couple, as they continue to bend the rules of nature and play God.
Dealing with medical experimentations and interventions, there are a number of scenes involving some extremely realistic practical effects. The medical procedures are sure to make even the toughest of viewers wince and grimace; not to mention the sickening wet sound effects that were added to the experience.
Laura Moss’ first feature film won’t satisfy every horror fan, since it just might not be what some are looking for. However, if slowburns, emotional and moral decision-making, as well as medical ethics are your cup of tea, then let this “Frankenstein”-inspired tale take you under its wing. “Birth/Rebirth” receives the score of 3.5 eyes out of 5.