Plot: Amber (Jackie Kelly) has a rare condition that can lead to a wealth of brain disorders, from slight memory loss to dementia to a total deterioration of the mind, so she is terrified of her future. In an effort to explore every option available to her, she takes part in an experimental clinical study, alongside several others who share the rare disease. But when she wakes up disoriented, covered in blood, and surrounded by dead bodies, she is desperate for answers and it becomes clear this research project was more than just scientific exploration. She is soon contacted by Simon (Jason Christ), one of the study’s supervisors, who gives her esoteric clues to what’s going on, while she also tries to deal with horrific visions of her past and haunting flashes of what might have happened in the clinical trial.
Entertainment Value: In Memory Of is one of the most surreal, hallucinatory road trips you’ll ever take, a creative vision that sticks in your mind long after the credits roll and will reel you back in for repeat sessions. The narrative is like a fever dream, in that you can’t always be sure what you see is real, which I loved, but I can some being frustrated or confused at times. Amber’s journey weaves an interesting, dynamic narrative, but it is more about visuals and atmosphere, so those who prefer a more traditional approach might be turned off here. I found the experience to be intense and riveting however, as I appreciated the sensory assault and creative visuals, as it builds this dark, unstable atmosphere that just had me hooked. Jackie Kelly has the lead and is quite good, in a role that demands a lot from her and she delivers, while Jason Christ, Haley Madison, Adam Ahlbrandt, and Emily Haack also turn in solid work. The cast is fearless here, which is good, since the material asks a lot of them at times. I do think the movie moves a little slow in some stretches, but it pays off in mood and the run time is just over two hours, so it isn’t bloated in the least. If you have even a casual interest in indie or outsider horror cinema, you need to see In Memory Of.
There is frequent, vivid nudity in this one, with both male and female bodies on full showcase. This includes bare breasts, naked asses, and full frontal nudity, so if boobs, labia, or penises offend you, be forewarned. The sex scenes aren’t graphic, but there is a lot of naked flesh here and it is a consistent element in the narrative, so this area earns some solid points. The movie is generous with the bloodshed as well, with some splashy practical effects that look great and add some crimson. Some of the highlights include implements like scissors and an ax, as well as one scene of sexual violence that is likely to stick in your brain for a while. I wouldn’t call the movie blood soaked, but it has some bursts of violence and they’re well utilized. The dialogue is fine and well written, but isn’t often all that wild or outlandish. This is to be expected, given the movie’s serious tone and I do think some of the eerie exchanges earn a couple points. So don’t judge the low score as a knock on the writing, as that isn’t the case. As for craziness, In Memory Of is an epic mindfuck of a movie that never gives your mind a moment to breathe, in a creative, wild, and unpredictable ride.
Nudity: 7/10
Blood: 5/10
Dialogue: 2/10
Overall Insanity: 10/10
Marc Fusion 