New Movies: Else (2024) by Thibault Emin: Melding for Love: A Visceral, Existential Body-Horror Romance
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 8
- 13 min read
Core Summary: Love Blooms in the Face of Melting Apocalypse
"Else" (2024) is the mesmerizing debut feature film from French director Thibault Emin, an audacious blend of body horror, romance, fantasy, and science fiction. It intimately depicts a burgeoning connection between Anx (Matthieu Sampeur), an introverted man, and Cass (Édith Proust), a confident woman, after a one-night stand. Their nascent romance is immediately plunged into chaos by a terrifying global epidemic: a mysterious virus that causes people's bodies to painfully melt and fuse with inanimate objects. Trapped in Anx's claustrophobic apartment, the couple is forced to confront not only the grotesque physical horrors outside their door and within their very surroundings (which are coalescing into a spongy, sentient mass) but also the raw, uncomfortable truths of their new relationship. "Else" is a visceral and philosophical journey into the end of everything, exploring intimacy, transformation, and the desperate yearning for connection amidst a horrifying, yet strangely beautiful, apocalypse.
Snapshot: One-Night Stand, Global Melt-Down, Intimate Horror, Existential Love
A new couple is trapped by a virus causing bodies to melt into objects, forcing them to confront horrifying physical transformations and the raw, tender intimacy of their burgeoning love amidst the end of the world.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32973202/
About movie: https://www.wtfilms.fr/movie/else/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/else (US)
Deep Dive: The Gooey Intersections of Flesh, Fear, and Philosophy
"Else" is Thibault Emin's highly anticipated feature film debut, expanding on his own 2007 short film of the same name. It premiered globally in the Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2024, signaling its distinct genre blending and unique vision. Its French theatrical release followed in May 2025.
Plot: The film opens with Anx, an awkward introvert, waking up next to the confident and spontaneous Cass after a presumably mediocre one-night stand. Just as they begin to navigate the awkward morning-after, a terrifying global epidemic breaks out. A mysterious virus is causing people's bodies to melt and fuse with whatever they touch. Infected individuals are slowly absorbed into inanimate objects, forming grotesque, moaning, organic masses. Forced into lockdown in Anx's apartment, the unlikely couple is pushed into intense proximity. As the horrifying reality of the outside world encroaches – with infected neighbors merging into the very fabric of their building, forming a spongy, sentient new life form – Anx and Cass must genuinely get to know each other. Their conversations are punctuated by the eerie sounds of dissolving bodies and disembodied voices echoing from the vents. The nascent romance unfolds against this backdrop of existential dread and visceral body horror. The film progresses towards a philosophical climax, exploring themes of connection, transformation, and the ultimate merging of beings, both horrifying and strangely transcendent.
Characters & Cast:
Matthieu Sampeur as Anx: The introverted, uncomfortable protagonist who finds himself falling for Cass amidst the apocalypse.
Édith Proust as Cass: The feisty, confident woman who unexpectedly finds herself quarantined with Anx. (Credited as Édith Proust de la Comédie Française).
Lika Minamoto as Setsuko: A supporting character, likely one of the disembodied voices or a brief appearance that adds to the unsettling atmosphere.
Other Voice/Minor Roles: Agnès Godet (Suzanne Van der Voort, voice), Alexis Volis (Militaire homme, voice), Billy Johansson (Voix reportage métamorphisme, voice), Elisabeth Renault-Geslin (Militaire femme, voice), Toni d`Antonio (M.), Camille Deveyrinas (Anx, 19 ans), Patricia Willerval (La mère d'Anx), Cyril Benoît (Militaire 1).
Genre and Style: "Else" defies easy categorization, blending Body Horror, Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Drama. It is particularly noted for its experimental and haptic soundscape (sticky, squelchy foley) that immerses the viewer in the unpleasant reality of the melting. The film reportedly shifts in visual style, transitioning from color to a grungier black and white and featuring abstract close-ups of fusing organic matter. Critics have noted echoes of David Cronenberg, David Lynch, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet/Marc Caro, but often praise Emin's unique vision. The emphasis is on visceral sensations, psychological dread, and philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence and connection.
Director's Lens: Thibault Emin's Philosophical and Visceral Vision
Thibault Emin is a Parisian filmmaker with a background in philosophy (studied at University Paris 8) and film (La Fémis). "Else" marks his feature debut, adapted from his own 2007 short film.
Philosophical Underpinnings: Emin's background in philosophy is evident in the film's existential themes, exploring the meaning of human connection, identity, and the end of the world not just as a catastrophe but as a potential for ultimate transformation or merging.
Body Horror as Metaphor: He uses the grotesque visual language of body horror to explore intimate and psychological themes. The physical disintegration and merging serve as a literal interpretation of relationship dynamics – the merging of two individuals, with all its discomforts and profound implications.
Experimental Approach: Emin is not afraid to experiment with form and sound. The film's "anxious haptic soundscape" and shifting visual style suggest a director more interested in creating a unique, immersive, and unsettling experience than adhering to conventional narrative structures.
Intimate Scale, Global Scope: Despite the intimate setting of one apartment, Emin successfully conveys a sense of global apocalypse and existential dread, making the personal feel universal.
Uncompromising Vision: Reviews suggest Emin is an uncompromising filmmaker, willing to take risks and challenge audience expectations, resulting in a polarizing but critically impactful debut.
Central Themes: Intimacy & Connection, Transformation & Metamorphosis, Existential Dread & Awe, Isolation & Cohesion, and Body & Self
Intimacy & Connection: The core of the film is the forced intimacy and burgeoning romance between Anx and Cass, exploring how extreme circumstances can forge profound bonds.
Transformation & Metamorphosis: Both literally (bodies melting) and figuratively (character development), the film is steeped in the idea of radical change and evolution.
Existential Dread & Awe: It grapples with the terrifying concept of the end of the world, but also hints at a transcendental, almost spiritual, awe in the face of ultimate merging.
Isolation & Cohesion: The confinement within the apartment contrasts sharply with the external world's forced, painful cohesion, raising questions about individual identity versus collective existence.
Body & Self: The horror of the virus forces a re-evaluation of what constitutes the human body and the boundaries of the self when it starts to dissolve and merge.
Why It Shines: A Viscerally Unique and Intellectually Daring Vision
Original Concept: Adapting a literal "melt with you" premise into a body-horror romance is highly unique and creatively daring.
Unforgettable Visuals & Sound: The film's specific body horror imagery and unsettling foley work create a deeply immersive and disturbing experience.
Strong Auteurial Voice: Thibault Emin establishes himself as a director with a distinct and uncompromising artistic vision in his feature debut.
Genre Fusion: It successfully blends multiple genres, offering something fresh for fans of horror, sci-fi, romance, and experimental cinema.
Philosophical Depth: Beyond the gore, the film offers profound meditations on connection, identity, and the nature of existence.
Thibault Emin's 2024 film, Else, is a French body horror and romantic drama that delves into themes of adaptation, evolution, love, and trauma. It follows a recently acquainted couple, Anx (Matthieu Sampeur) and Cass (Edith Proust), who are forced into quarantine together as a mysterious virus sweeps the world, causing people to "merge" with surfaces and slowly become one with their surroundings. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024.
Awards & Nominations: A Bold Festival Darling
Else has garnered significant recognition on the festival circuit, particularly within the realm of genre and independent cinema. Most notably, it won the Citizen Kane Award for Best New Director at the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia in 2024, a major accolade for director Thibault Emin's feature debut. Its inclusion in the infamous Midnight Madness lineup at TIFF 2024 also signifies its recognition for pushing boundaries and delivering a unique cinematic experience. While specific major awards beyond Sitges are not widely listed as of now, its strong critical buzz from these prominent festivals positions it as a bold and promising new voice in filmmaking.
Critics' Reception: A Visually Stunning, Conceptually Mixed Merge
Critics have offered a fascinatingly mixed reception to Else, praising its stunning visuals and audacious concept while often critiquing its narrative pacing and some stylistic choices. The film is largely seen as an experimental work that aims to provoke and challenge its audience.
Bloody Disgusting: This review praises Emin's unique use of body horror, filtering it through a central love story. It describes the film's visuals as "intimate, poetic, and tragic," and "undeniably gorgeous," highlighting how the film is "slowly leeched of colour until it becomes a sumptuous black and white nightmare." It commends the VFX and FX makeup for their memorable body horror elements. The review emphasizes that despite the "seismic, world-altering visuals," the film "never loses sight of its core story: its human characters." It concludes that the film suggests "the biggest threat to human experience...is a life without love," finding a "real poetry in that."
Cut To The Take: This review calls Else an "experimental work that explores themes like adaptation, evolution, love and trauma." While praising the "brilliant" idea and "gorgeous" cinematography, it states that the "quality isn't matched by the script," arguing that the "story limits what was a film with great potential." The review criticizes the "overwhelming," "uncomfortable and slightly nauseating" close-ups paired with ASMR sounds, and lambasts "over a minute" of "blurry images" as "infuriating, damaging for your eyes and... incredibly boring." It found the pacing "glacial" and dialogues "slow and pretentious," ultimately concluding that "overconfidence is the ultimate downfall of a film that had the makings to be superb."
TheWrap: This outlet declares Else as "TIFF's Most Trippy Discovery," calling it a "bold body horror film" that "burrows inside your very skin." It commends the film for becoming "something hauntingly beautiful" as the disease takes hold, asking "questions about the body, the self, where one begins and the other ends." It praises the "stunning visuals that swallow you whole" and the "arresting visuals that implant themselves in your mind." While noting some "regrettable yet thankfully brief futzing around with AI," it champions the "handcrafted stuff that leaves a mark" and the "profoundly breathtaking" visual evolution into black and white.
Dread Central: Describing Else as "not for the faint of heart," this review calls it a "thought-provoking France-Belgium co-production" that gets "under your sagging skin and into your brittle bones." It praises the "visually and emotionally harrowing" consequences of the disease, evoking works of Guy Maddin, David Lynch, and Junji Ito. The review highlights the "icky, admirable" visual landscape and the uncomfortable but realistic dynamic between the two leads, noting how their codependency festers. It also critiques the "unoriginal imagery" from AI art and the continued use of lockdown as a storytelling prompt, but ultimately deems it "an interesting, albeit flawed experiment."
Overall, critics largely agree that Else is a visually striking and highly ambitious film that dares to blend body horror with a romantic drama in a unique way. Its strengths lie in its audacious concept, compelling visual design (especially the shift to black and white), and its exploration of profound themes related to human connection, isolation, and transformation. However, a significant point of contention revolves around its narrative execution, with some reviewers finding the pacing too slow, the dialogue pretentious, and certain experimental stylistic choices (like prolonged blurry shots or excessive ASMR) to be more frustrating than effective. Despite these criticisms, Else is widely recognized as a bold and memorable feature debut for Thibault Emin.
Reviews: A Polarizing Dive into Visceral Horror and Love
Audience reactions to Else are expected to be as varied and intense as its critical reception. Given its experimental nature and explicit body horror elements, the film will likely find a passionate, albeit niche, following among viewers who appreciate unconventional and challenging cinema.
Audience Response (Inferred from critical reception): Viewers drawn to the film will likely be those with a strong stomach for body horror and a desire for abstract, thought-provoking narratives. The "intimate, poetic, and tragic" visuals, combined with the unsettling depiction of bodies merging, will appeal to fans of genre-bending horror. The film's unique premise of a relationship deepening amidst a literal physical melding will resonate with those interested in the boundaries of love and human connection under extreme duress.
Potential Divides: Much like critics, audiences may be divided by Else's pacing and stylistic choices. Those expecting a straightforward horror narrative or a conventional romance might find the film's slow burn, philosophical dialogue, and experimental visual techniques frustrating or even "infuriating," as one critic suggested. The "uncomfortable and slightly nauseating" sensory experience mentioned in reviews could also be a turn-off for some viewers, while others might appreciate its immersive, visceral quality.
Word-of-Mouth: For a film like Else, word-of-mouth will be crucial. Those who "get it" will likely champion its originality and artistic merit, advocating for its unique vision. Discussions will probably focus on its metaphorical depth, its unsettling atmosphere, and the striking performances of its lead actors, who convey a complex emotional journey while navigating extreme physical transformations.
Overall, Else is poised to be a polarizing experience for audiences. It offers a profoundly unique and visually arresting exploration of love and survival in the face of a terrifying, transformative pandemic. While it might challenge the patience and sensibilities of some, it is equally likely to captivate and deeply disturb those who are open to its bold, experimental vision, making it a memorable and discussed film for its specific audience.
Box Office Performance: Arthouse & Festival Success, Niche Theatrical Release
As an independent French-Belgian co-production with a strong genre bend and experimental leanings, "Else" is primarily positioned for arthouse theatrical release and film festival circuits, rather than mainstream box office success.
Festival Performance: Its selection for TIFF Midnight Madness and winning the Citizen Kane Award at Sitges are key indicators of its success within the festival circuit, boosting its reputation and international sales.
Theatrical Release: It had a theatrical release in France on May 28, 2025 (and other territories possibly around that time). Box office numbers will be modest compared to studio blockbusters, but a respectable showing for an independent genre film.
Digital/Streaming: Its long-term reach will likely be through VOD and streaming platforms, especially those catering to horror, sci-fi, and arthouse cinema.
Production Notes: A French-Belgian Co-Production of Visceral Imagination
Directed by: Thibault Emin
Written by: Thibault Emin, Alice Butaud, Emma Sandona
Main Cast: Matthieu Sampeur (Anx), Édith Proust (Cass), Lika Minamoto (Setsuko)
Genre: Horror, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Romance (Body Horror)
Countries of Co-Production: France (63.89%), Belgium (36.11%)
Language: French (original production language), also listed with English and Japanese
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes) / 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes)
Cinematography: Léo Lefèvre
Editing: Ariane Boukerche
Music: June Ha, Shida Shahabi
Production Year: 2024
Budget: (Exact figure not widely publicized, but generally independent scale)
Production Company: French & Belgian Independent Forces
"Else" is a co-production between French and Belgian independent production companies:
Les Produits Frais (France): The executive producer.
Wrong Men (Belgium): The foreign production company. These companies are known for supporting bold and artistically driven independent cinema in their respective countries.
Sales & Distribution: Festival Platform to Specialized Theatrical & Digital
International Sales: WTFilms (World Sales Agent) handles international distribution rights, presenting the film at major markets.
French Distribution: UFO Distribution is responsible for its theatrical release in France.
Festival Circuit: Premiered at TIFF, screened at Sitges (winning an award), Festival du Nouveau Cinéma (Montreal), Scanorama (Lithuania), Mostra (São Paulo), and Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris. These festival selections are crucial for gaining critical attention and securing distribution deals globally.
Theatrical Release: Limited arthouse theatrical runs in various territories after festival exposure.
Digital/VOD: Expected to be widely available on digital platforms following its theatrical window.
Release Timeline: Premiered Late 2024, Wider Release 2025
World Premiere: September 2024 (Toronto International Film Festival - Midnight Madness)
Sitges Film Festival: October 2024 (Award Winner)
French Theatrical Release: May 28, 2025
US Theatrical (limited): July 8, 2025 (as indicated on some sources)
International Rollout: Continues throughout 2025 and beyond on various platforms.
Why See It: For a Relatable Exploration of Desire
Body Horror: Especially films that push the boundaries of visceral and transformative physical horror.
Experimental Cinema: Films that challenge conventional narrative and visual styles.
Philosophical Sci-Fi: Stories that use genre elements to explore deep existential questions.
Unique Romances: Love stories that blossom in highly unconventional and terrifying circumstances.
Auteur-Driven Filmmaking: You appreciate directors with a strong, distinct, and uncompromising artistic vision.
Why Watch: If You Crave Passion and Psychological Intrigue
Watch it if you're drawn to stories where:
The setting itself becomes a character: The apartment, and indeed the entire world, transforms into a horrifying, living entity.
Visceral experiences are paramount: The film aims to make you feel the horror and discomfort through its sensory design.
Love is tested under extreme duress: A new relationship forms and is immediately challenged by an apocalyptic threat.
You're willing to be challenged: The film may not provide easy answers and can be unsettling both visually and conceptually.
It offers a fresh perspective on the end of the world: Not just destruction, but a strange, terrifying evolution.
Movie Trend: The Resurgence of Philosophical Body Horror & Genre-Bending Debuts
"Else" is a prime example of the burgeoning trend of philosophical body horror, particularly coming out of European cinema (e.g., Titane, The Substance, Le règne animal). This subgenre uses visceral physical transformations not merely for shock value, but as a potent metaphor for psychological states, societal anxieties, or existential inquiries. Furthermore, it exemplifies the trend of bold, genre-bending feature debuts from emerging directors, often born from acclaimed short films, who are unafraid to challenge conventions and push artistic boundaries, finding platforms like TIFF's Midnight Madness to launch their unique visions.
Social Trend: Confronting Existential Dread and The Blurring of Boundaries
The film directly taps into the social trend of confronting pervasive existential dread in an era of global crises (pandemics, climate change, societal fragmentation). It speaks to a collective anxiety about the unknown and the fragility of human existence. Moreover, the core concept of bodies melting and merging with inanimate objects reflects a broader societal fascination with the blurring of boundaries – between human and technology, organic and inorganic, individual and collective – as well as a more generalized discomfort with the loss of clear distinctions in a rapidly changing world. The film visually articulates these underlying fears and questions, making it resonate on a deeper, often unsettling, level.
Final Conclusions: A Visceral, Existential Odyssey of Flesh and Fusion
"Else" (2024) is a singularly audacious and unshakeable feature debut from Thibault Emin, a film that defiantly melts genre boundaries as readily as its characters' bodies. This body-horror romance casts a newly formed couple into a claustrophobic apartment, trapped by a grotesque global epidemic that forces humans to merge with their surroundings. Emin's philosophical lens transforms this horrifying premise into a profound meditation on intimacy, transformation, and the very essence of being, underscored by a unique, unsettling sound design. Polarizing yet undeniably original, "Else" solidifies Emin as a bold new voice in cinema, offering a visceral and intellectually daring vision of love and terror at the precipice of a terrifyingly beautiful new existence.
Recommendations for Filmmakers: The Art of Structured Whimsy
Embrace Your Niche Vision: Don't shy away from highly specific, even unsettling, concepts. A strong, unique vision can create a memorable and impactful film, even if it's polarizing.
Use Genre for Deeper Meaning: Employ genre elements (like body horror) not just for shock, but as powerful metaphors to explore complex philosophical, psychological, or social themes.
Invest in Sound Design: "Else" highlights the immense power of foley and soundscapes to create atmosphere, amplify tension, and immerse the audience in a visceral experience.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry: Cultivating Smart Thrillers and Distinctive Voices
Champion Bold Debuts: Actively seek out and support first-time feature directors who demonstrate a clear, uncompromising artistic voice, especially those pushing genre boundaries.
Recognize Festival Buzz as a Metric: Films like "Else" demonstrate that strong festival performance and critical buzz (even if polarizing) can signify significant artistic merit and cult potential, beyond immediate box office predictions.
Invest in International Co-Productions: Collaboration between countries (like France and Belgium here) can foster diverse cinematic styles and expand the reach of unique stories to a global audience.
Final Verdict: A Bold Vision, Not Without Its Flaws
In summary, Thibault Emin's Else stands out as a daring and visually captivating debut that fearlessly merges body horror with a poignant romantic drama, earning it significant recognition on the festival circuit including the prestigious Citizen Kane Award for Best New Director at Sitges. Critics laud its audacious concept, stunning cinematography, and the profound thematic exploration of love and transformation amidst a terrifying pandemic, often highlighting its unique, almost poetic, approach to the grotesque. However, the film is not without its imperfections, with common criticisms pointing to a slow narrative pace, sometimes pretentious dialogue, and a few experimental stylistic choices that can be more jarring than impactful. Despite these narrative and pacing concerns, Else ultimately delivers a memorable and thought-provoking experience, making it a compelling, if polarizing, watch for audiences seeking a truly original and artistically ambitious take on genre cinema.
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