Added to Disney+ on Tuesday, Oct 3, 2023 The movie “Appendage” primarily focuses on the struggles of Hannah, a young fashion designer, who, while appearing ostensibly stable, is internally battling with profound self-doubt. This emotional strife is not confined to her mental state; it physically manifests as a ghastly growth on her body, named “The Appendage.” Hannah’s health degrades parallelly as The Appendage, drawing from her deep-seated anxieties, gains strength. These fears seep through the cracks of her daily life, infiltrating her perception of her own professional capabilities, eroding her relationship with her boyfriend and best friend, and emphasizing her parents’ apparent emotional absence. At a pivotal juncture of despair, Hannah stumbles upon the revelation that others share her harrowing experience, with similar appendages stemming from their own internal battles.
Length: 1h 34m
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Horror
Trailer
Cast
The prominent actors and their portrayed characters in “Appendage” are:
- Emily Hampshire – Claudia
- Hadley Robinson – Hannah
- Deborah Rennard – Stacy
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: TV-MA (explicitly crafted for adult viewership and may be inappropriate for children under 17)
Due to its vivid psychological horror, potential disturbing visuals, and intense thematic elements, “Appendage” may be unsuitable for a younger audience. Parents are advised to consider these factors seriously before allowing any viewing by under 17s.
Our Review
“Appendage,” weaves a tapestry that’s equally heartbreaking and horrifying, exploring the tangible representation of internal struggles through a visceral lens. Anna Zlokovic’s direction and writing magnetize attention, navigating through the treacherous waters of psychological horror while maintaining an undercurrent of dramatic depth and unexpected comedic intervals. Hannah’s surreal and harrowing journey, expertly embodied by Hadley Robinson, confronts viewers with a stark manifestation of how internal tumult can morph into physical agony, shaping a narrative that’s haunting yet strangely captivating.
Within its runtime, “Appendage” maneuvers through the intricate threads of dark comedy, drama, and horror, crafting a tale that’s bound to leave an indelible mark on its audience. It doesn’t merely present a story; it compels viewers to witness, with bated breath, as the protagonist’s life spirals into an abyss of psychological and physical horror, while also prompting them to reflect upon their own internal battles and societal perceptions of the same. While the comedic elements provide brief, albeit necessary, respites from the prevailing tension and horror, they also accentuate the grotesque and chilling reality Hannah endures, creating a juxtaposition that’s both enthralling and unsettling.
In a milieu oversaturated with tales of horror, “Appendage” distinguishes itself by mirroring the dark recesses of mental strife with an agonizing physical reality, possibly prompting conversations regarding the often unseen and unspoken struggles that so many silently endure. With a blend of stellar performances, meticulous direction, and a storyline that intertwines the eerie, the emotional, and the unexpectedly comedic, “Appendage” potentially stands as a poignant and chillingly relatable piece within its genre.
