Anna Zlokovic’s Appendage (2023) is a darkly comic body horror film that takes a literal approach to the inner demons of anxiety, self-doubt, and trauma. Expanding on her own short film, Zlokovic crafts a story that is as grotesque as it is emotionally resonant, using body horror to externalize the struggles of mental health in a way that is both disturbing and, at times, unexpectedly funny.
Plot Overview
The film centers on Hannah (Hadley Robinson), a young fashion designer in New York City. Overwhelmed by stress, toxic relationships, and a demanding career, Hannah’s anxieties begin to take physical form. What starts as pain and bleeding from a birthmark on her side soon escalates into the emergence of a monstrous appendage-a creature that is as vicious in its insults as it is in its appearance. The appendage feeds on Hannah’s insecurities, growing stronger the more she listens to it, and soon threatens to take over her life entirely.
Hannah’s journey leads her to an underground support group of others with similar chimeric growths, only to discover that her struggle is more insidious and personal than she realized. The film’s climax pushes Hannah to confront her doppelgänger and the toxic voices within, with the help of her best friend Esther.
Themes and Subtext
Appendage is not subtle in its metaphor: the creature is a physical manifestation of intrusive thoughts, self-loathing, and unresolved trauma. The film draws clear lines between Hannah’s worsening mental state and the appendage’s increasing power. Zlokovic’s direction makes the horror both literal and relatable, presenting the battle with mental illness as something monstrous, persistent, and deeply personal.
The film also touches on themes of identity, the pressure of creative industries, and the impact of unsupportive relationships-particularly the fraught dynamic between Hannah and her mother. For viewers who have struggled with anxiety, depression, or trauma, the film’s approach is both validating and cathartic, as echoed by several user reviews that found the depiction of mental illness strikingly authentic.
Tone and Style
Zlokovic strikes a balance between horror and dark comedy, drawing inspiration from films like Malignant and Evil Dead. The creature design is both disgusting and, at times, comically absurd, leading to moments where viewers may find themselves laughing and cringing in quick succession. The film’s pacing is brisk, with little downtime before the horror elements take center stage.
The special effects, while not blockbuster-level, are effective in service of the story. The appendage itself is a memorable creation, with glassy blue eyes and a voice that oscillates between pathetic and menacing. Hadley Robinson delivers a strong performance as Hannah, capturing both her vulnerability and her eventual resilience.
Reception and Critique
Appendage has received mixed reviews, holding a modest IMDb rating of 5.2/10. Critics and audiences are divided: some praise its originality, metaphorical depth, and emotional resonance, while others find the execution lacking, with uneven acting and a plot that can feel thin or overly campy. The film’s campy tone and “artsy” approach may not appeal to all horror fans, particularly those looking for traditional scares rather than psychological or metaphorical horror.
Still, many viewers found the film’s message about self-acceptance and the battle with inner demons to be powerful, even uplifting. The ending, while divisive, underscores the ongoing nature of living with anxiety and the importance of support from others.
Final Thoughts
Appendage is a unique entry in the body horror genre, using its grotesque premise to explore the very real horrors of mental illness. While not flawless-some may find the tone uneven or the horror elements too campy-it stands out for its originality and emotional honesty. For those willing to embrace its weirdness, Appendage offers a disturbing, relatable, and ultimately hopeful look at what it means to live with-and fight back against-our darkest thoughts.
Rating: 3/5
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