
Scorching the Retinas – Sodomaniac
Sodomaniac (2015)
Writers – Anthony Catanese, Steve Revesz
Director – Anthony Caranese
Runtime – 82 minutes
D.I. WHY Films
A Different Path Films
Wild Eye Releasing
Howdy friends, curious types and those who wander aimlessly in hopes to find something, anything, to brighten their meager existence. Today, I’ve discovered a wicked slice of celluloid which I just couldn’t pass up. That and the fact that Cult is under the weather means I can enjoy myself, his assortment of sugary treats and the depravity on offer without disturbance. Let’s just hope it stays that way and the movie delivers as I think we all understand that great art (no matter how boner-inducing) does not a great film make. It must be stated before I begin that if any image gives off an aura this one does and it screams “here’s metal up your ass”. Thankfully, however, it doesn’t feature Metallica as part of its soundtrack. I’m of the mind Lars would most probably vomit at the mere mention of a film with a title such as this, it’s pointless to mention therefore that he’d even want to consider being a part of it.
The opening scene doesn’t disappoint and is sure to delight the most jaded among us. A form lay prone face down ass up (…”that’s the way we like to…”) with a myriad of intestine winding its way to the street. Two cops are on scene, one spouts, rather nonchalantly, “Even Freddy Mercury hasn’t seen anal carnage like this.” Admittedly, this makes me smirk wickedly, I’m an instant fan.

The film unravels much like the first victim’s innards. The dialogue on offer seethes with ill-intent, “roofies” are passed around like joints at a commune and the potential to offend is off the charts. The Levity on offer is blunt, if uttered in the workplace a rapid response would be a pink slip. In short, the dialogue is sure to appeal to those whose sensibilities lay in the gutter. One characters lines are littered with “you muthafuckas are gonna pay, all of you!” If that isn’t a red herring, I’m not sure what one actually is.
Misogyny, expletives and machismo flow like raging waters as the films main characters are introduced bro-ing out within their den of indecency. As their numbers dwindle trust amidst the group dwindles lower than the acting ability within the film. Something is afoot and it’s not just the fact that flowers are arriving at the house on a steady basis.

As low budget and offensive this undoubtedly is it isn’t without its “finer” points; the directing isn’t half bad. A few sentences of dialogue and a slew of interactions are surprisingly amusing and the antagonist is sure to be talked about a great deal based upon his mask of choice. Several scenes stand out (and they would have to with a title such as this, right?) not least of which a ‘Stewart’ type character (has anyone seen Beavis n Butthead?) playing a little game called ‘Edward 40 hands’. A game in which he isn’t allowed to use his hands until the 40’s taped to them are finished. To make matters even more complicated the bottles aren’t even open. Another scene is the opener; what a fantastic way to introduce a film boasting ass rape and revenge as its strongest plot devices. The features selling point however is its nod to Grindhouse and Eighties cinema. There’s ‘cheese’ aplenty and even a montage set to synth. There’s more than one montages, another notable example depicts a main character choosing booze on its ‘special properties’.

But let’s not forget the outrageousness of it all. This is like “Irreversible” meets “The Slashening” meets “I Spit on Your Grave” coupled with a Frat boy “Jersey Shore” edge and a few surprising elements which lift it from utter obscurity.
In conclusion, this is sick, vile, demented, disgusting, unabashedly offense and I can’t seriously recommend this to anyone, but the very brave.
Watch at your own risk, needless to say… I loved every minute.
B