The word, thanatomorphose, refers to the visible signs of decomposition an organism has following death. 

The organism in this film is a lonely woman. Her apartment is dark and sparse. She’s a sculptor, but she only has one unfinished piece in her home. Her lover is disinterested, only engaging the woman in abuse and ridicule.

Through all of this, the woman is apathetic. She writes off bruises, presumably from rough intercourse. When her fingernails start to fall off, she merely tries to bandage them back on. When her lover slaps her, then takes her to bed, she lets him know he inspires no emotion in her. 

As her condition worsens, the woman does not react as she should. She’s not entirely indifferent, but also nowhere near as concerned as she ought to be. She makes futile efforts to try and clean the rot off her body and lays in bed as she rapidly decays. 

The men in her life are of no help to her. Her lover and a romantically interested friend both notice she is unwell, but do not provide any help. They are also the subjects of her nightmares.

The woman isolates herself further. She preserves her decomposing body parts in labeled jars and attempts to put herself back together. The woman begins to relish her imminent death to the repulsion of both her lover and friend. The woman kills them both for using her.

The woman only shows despair at the very end of her plight, after her flesh has completely liquified, when she releases a pained wail before dying.

Watching Thanatomorphose was a miserable experience. Of course, the well-crafted body horror was stomach-churning. However, the bleakest aspect of this film was the woman’s life. She is so lonely, so devoid of happiness. Her human interactions consist of providing sex for men who don’t value her and being teased by her friends. She allows herself to completely decompose and never seeks medical care. She puts up no fight for her life. This is the real horror.

Those with an iron stomach who also appreciate arthouse films may want to watch this film. I will not say “enjoy this film” since it truly is a painful watch. 

Lastly, for those who are struggling with their mental health, please take care of yourself. Your life matters.