Grafted 2025, An Amazing Horror Drama, Review

Co-writer and director Sasha Rainbow makes her directorial debut with "Grafted." The film is infused with a variety of macabre imagery that explores the theme of stolen identity through the exchange of flesh. Its release comes at a challenging time, following the success of "The Substance," which garnered critical acclaim and performed well at the box office with its body horror narrative. While some similarities are evident, they do not detract from Rainbow's unique vision, as she successfully imparts a chilling perspective on a Chinese woman's journey through the science of skin grafting, highlighting the bloodshed necessary for biological achievement. "Grafted" is both graphic and unsettling, crafted with precision by Rainbow, who channels her darker instincts into the film, weaving a tale of malevolence and vengeance designed to evoke discomfort in viewers seeking something visceral and disturbing. The film is available on Afdah TV.

As a child in China, Wei witnessed her father, a scientist, endeavoring to unlock the secrets of grafting to address a severe skin condition he shared with her. This pursuit ended tragically with his death, propelling Wei to continue his work, guided by his detailed notes. Upon receiving an opportunity to study in New Zealand, Wei relocates to live with Aunty Ling and encounters her cousin, Angela, who is dismissive of Wei's cultural background and peculiarities, favoring acceptance among her peers, including Jasmine and Eve. Wei quickly captivates Dr. Paul with her intellect, but he finds himself in a precarious situation, needing a rapid research breakthrough to secure his funding, leading him to exploit the new student’s talents. As Wei delves deeper into her father's formula, she becomes determined to safeguard her family's legacy, resorting to identity theft along the way. Wei’s father is striving to spare his daughter from significant embarrassment. He conducts experiments in his apartment, working on serums designed to regenerate skin samples, testing his findings on himself, which results in only temporary success before the skin begins to envelop his entire head. This grim introduction to “Grafted” sets the stage for the peculiar scientific themes of the narrative, as it follows Wei on her journey to a brighter future in New Zealand, where a socially awkward teenager from China must adapt to an entirely new environment. Her experience is marked by a certain level of hostility, particularly as she interacts with Angela, a cousin tasked with helping her acclimate, who constantly reminds everyone of the Chinese heritage that Wei would prefer to conceal. The narrative soon shifts focus to academic and scientific pursuits, with Dr. Paul seeking to advance Wei’s research, leveraging the scientific insights she has inherited from her father. Wei takes on the role of Dr. Paul’s lab assistant, and together they endeavor to decipher the grafting code, initially struggling to understand the notes until they discover a unique ingredient from a rare plant. Throughout this period, Wei attempts to integrate with Angela’s social circle, forming a bond with the kind-hearted Jasmine while clashing with the pretentious Eve. Additionally, Wei’s presence drives Angela to her limits, creating tension within the household as the cousins clash over Wei’s religious practices and cultural traditions, particularly regarding food. “Grafted” introduces layers of resentment and fear among the characters, highlighting the pressure on Dr. Paul, a desperate individual lacking moral integrity, who engages in an inappropriate relationship with a student while sidelining Wei from her own research.