Bones and All: The most disturbing psychological thriller of 2022?

This Thanksgiving, while most of us were indulging in turkey, stuffing and pie, the big screen had its first feature of a new film where our main characters were enjoying something a little more… human.

Starring Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet, Bones and All follows the unique love story between two people who find comfort in one another learning they are not alone in a dark secret that both coincidentally share- their thirst and hunger for human flesh, also known as an “Eater”.

At first, the idea of a lovers-on-the-run story with a cannibalistic twist sounded more jarring than appealing, but knowing Chalamet would be a lead in it- there were no doubts the film would be successful.

Lee (portrayed by Chalamet) is the co-star of this movie who has a troubled past and shares the same affection for a special diet as our protagonist, Maren Yearly (portrayed by Russell). Lee becomes an audience favorite as the story develops. He provides comfort to our main character that she never knew was missing. He is especially appealing to viewers through his love for 80’s music and his relaxed and relatable demeanor (it also helps that he is played by such a heartthrob in today’s media).

Maren makes a reckless mistake one night at a friend’s house, resulting in eventually being left on her own to try and survive, fending for herself. This leads Maren on a self-fulfilling prophecy trying to find not only her mother, who left her when she was young but also answers to why she is the way she is. Along her journey, she discovers that she may not be the only “Eater” out there, and poses the preponderance that the people around us might just be even more dangerous than ever thought possible.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, who previously worked with Chalamet on the coming-of-age romance Call Me by Your Name, has an alluring aesthetic for all of his films- with no exception here. His name was written all over the screen through his beautiful stills, dynamic shots and unique framework that were featured throughout. Guadagnino is also well known for his deeply personal, emotional, and intimate films. Bones and All reflected his skill within these departments all too well, creating an enticing and attractive final product.

As this film contains very graphic elements and scenes when we see our Eaters in action, it is rated R. While the movie pushes many boundaries and causes your stomach to lurch repeatedly, it does so tastefully and in an oddly artistic and beautiful way.

There are times when all you’ll want to do is look away from the screen and save your eyes from the horrors being witnessed, yet that task will be found nearly impossible as you still crave to see what is going on. The gory elements of this film are heavily played upon as well as the use of jump scares and the anxiety-inducing feeling of never knowing what’s coming next.

The film is thoroughly unsettling from beginning to end, and never allows you to let your guard down. Using a particular focus on mental and emotional states to frighten and disturb its audience, Bones and All will leave anyone watching with their jaw dropped, desperately trying to backtrack and recall what they just observed.

After finishing this film, it is apparent to some plot holes scattered throughout the movie that it is hard to understand why certain things weren’t addressed, and why so many questions were left unanswered. Whether it was a tactic to further unsettle the viewers, or done simply from a lack in aspects of the writing process, these inquiries pose the feeling of something wrong with the film- aside from the brutally violent contents and psychological mind games.

All and all, it cannot be recommended enough to see this film, especially if you are a fan of horror movies or have a special spot for one of the featured cast members. If you see it you definitely won’t regret it, rather you’ll be left thinking about it in the days following, with the shocking ending playing in your head- over and over again.