Replicator review

By Amy Watkins

Lovecraftian meets revenge body horror in Replicator, a tension-filled gorefest, unlike any revenge film you’ve seen before.

Directed by Mark Andrew Hamer, Replicator follows Darby (Brey Noelle), a small-town public defender driven by an unwavering commitment to justice. But when some of the town’s most corrupt residents transform into models of virtue almost overnight, including Darby’s father Ron (Jim Azelvandre), she sets out to uncover the truth. What seems like redemption hides the influence of otherworldly forces – and the path to righteousness is paved with blood and terror.

Replicator is your classic Lovecraftian horror, seeped in cosmic dread and otherworldly creatures. And, naturally, the film leaves some threads untied, embracing one of the hallmarks of Lovecraftian horror: the power of the unknown. What sets Replicator apart, however, is how it cleverly intertwines this cosmic horror with a unique twist on the revenge subgenre. Unlike other Lovecraftian stories that focus solely on humanity’s insignificance against cosmic forces, Replicator uses its narrative of moral transformation to explore themes of justice and redemption. Hamer must be praised for his ability to balance visceral horror with deeper elements while maintaining the subgenre’s signature ambiguity.

The performances are excellent, with Brey Noelle particularly shining as Darby, a woman trapped in a vicious cycle of justice and personal torment. Equally, Kate Lynn E. Newberry is incredible as Neila, Darby’s best friend who holds a rather sinister secret. From the outset, we sense something isn’t quite right with Neila, but Newberry’s performance keeps us guessing until the film’s final moments.

However, where Replicator really shines is in its practical effects. The special effects team, led by David Greathouse, has delivered truly impressive work, particularly in creature design and makeup. It’s not uncommon for Lovecraftian films to focus too heavily on creature design, which can sometimes result in over-the-top CGI creatures that feel more cartoonish than terrifying. Replicator avoids that pitfall by relying on practical effects that feel authentic and disturbing.

In terms of Lovecraftian horror, Replicator isn’t anything new. It has all the trademarks of Cosmicism that fans of Lovecraft will appreciate. But combined with its revenge-driven plot, Replicator stands out by adding a fresh twist on a well-worn subgenre.