The fantasy genre is getting a big boost of late, especially for people looking for a more adult orientated take on the genre. The Spine of Night a new release from Shudder looks to add to the trend of blood-soaked fantasy for die-hard fans of the genre.
The plot is somewhat confused at times, charting the journey of a magic plant that bestows power upon those who possess it. While the plot and at times character seem confused, the animation is what triumphs here. Using rotoscope animation, the film feels like something unearthed from the 80s, like a cult film that went out of circulation but the real devotees of it have kept it in their hearts.
The blood-soaked violence, and full-frontal nudity might not be for everyone, but in an age of George R. R. Martin (tits-n-torture on HBO), the film feels like it will appeal to those who enjoy Game of Thrones but want something a little more out there. The writing is not always great relying on the voice actors to shout the lines without much characterisation. Genre veteran Lucy Lawless does her best to turn her character into something beyond just Xena but without a bra, and Patton Oswalt does his usual high pitched bratty man child schtick.
It's really the ace in the hole of having Richard E. Grant whose dulcet tones could make even reading the instructions to boardgames sound like the most compelling monologue. His character The Guardian offers long, monologues charting war and carnage, all of which is underscored by the gorgeous animation. At times you wish the film was more mythic, opting for less bloodshed and more world building.
The primary audience for a film of this nature, and one suspects writer-director duo Philip Gelatt and Morgan Galen King knows this, is probably those who enjoy getting high and watching madness unfurl. It's not surprise that this would live on Shudder who should really offer a sub-category called “get wasted and vibe” for films like this. This is a film of aesthetics more than substance.
The Spine of Night is available on Blu-ray and DVD now
