Grafted (2024) – A Chilling Tale of Obsession and Transformation

Director: Sasha Ribbon
Writers: Lee Murray, Sasha Ribbon, Mia Maramara, Ou Huiling
Cast: Jessie Hong, Mark Mitchinson, Jared Turner, Eden Hart, Benjamin Hudson
Genre: Horror
Country: New Zealand
Languages: English, Mandarin Chinese
Release Dates: August 8, 2024 (New Zealand International Film Festival), September 12, 2024 (New Zealand)
Runtime: 96 minutes
IMDb: tt11162260

Plot Overview

Wei, a Chinese scholarship student, arrives in New Zealand to pursue medical research at a prestigious university. Shy and introverted, she bears a hereditary facial birthmark that makes her the target of exclusion by her social butterfly cousin Angela and their glamorous friends. Determined to change her destiny, Wei immerses herself in her deceased father’s research, focusing on a revolutionary skin graft procedure that could cure her condition. As her experiments take a dark turn, she descends into increasingly dangerous and uncontrolled behavior, willing to eliminate anyone who threatens to expose her secrets.

Film Highlights

Grafted presents a unique fusion of body horror and psychological thriller elements, set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand. The film explores profound themes of identity, beauty standards, and the ethical boundaries of scientific pursuit. Director Sasha Ribbon masterfully builds tension through atmospheric cinematography and a haunting score that complements the protagonist’s descent into madness. The bilingual dialogue (English and Mandarin) adds authenticity to the cultural context, while Jessie Hong’s compelling performance as Wei anchors the film’s emotional core.

Critical Reception

Early festival screenings have praised Grafted for its fresh take on the horror genre, with particular acclaim for its social commentary on beauty obsession and immigrant experiences. Critics have highlighted the film’s effective slow-burn approach to horror, comparing it favorably to classics like “The Fly” while maintaining its unique cultural perspective. The practical effects used to depict the skin graft procedures have been noted as particularly disturbing and effective. Some reviewers have mentioned the third act becomes slightly predictable, but overall consensus celebrates it as a standout horror entry from New Zealand cinema.

Conclusion

Grafted emerges as a thought-provoking horror film that transcends typical genre conventions. It successfully combines visceral terror with intelligent social commentary, creating an unsettling exploration of how far one might go for acceptance and transformation. With strong performances, particularly from lead actress Jessie Hong, and confident direction from Sasha Ribbon, the film establishes itself as a memorable addition to international horror cinema. For audiences seeking horror with substance and cultural depth, Grafted delivers both chills and meaningful reflection on the human condition.