CONTENT WARNING, GORE, BODY HORROR, NUDITY
If you’re not afraid to get a little bit wacky, over the top, and a little bit MELTY, I have selected several melt movies to consider visiting this Halloween season. What is a melt movie? Sometimes described as a “micro-genre” of horror, melt movies are ones that feature prominent scenes of humans literally melting in one way or another. Described by IMDB user zargmatt-73661, “It’s not a melt movie if it’s just one scene and/or melting bodies isn’t part of the main plot. For example, the face melting scene at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark, or the wicked witch melting into a puddle of goo in Wizard of Oz.” I often also find that melt movies have a lot of elements of comedy in them as well, perhaps because the concept itself is a bit hard to take seriously. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
STREET TRASH, 1987, DIRECTOR J. MICHAEL MURO
I’m a bit torn about this movie because on one hand, it has superb special effects, but on the other hand, some really messed up scenes. THe basic plot revolves around a group of homeless people living in a junkyard who drink some heavily expired alcohol that literally melts them into a pile of goop. They are unique in comparison to other melt movies because they are so COLOURFUL. Like liquid playdough, neon blues and yellows and greens. They really pop and are as visually appealing as they are disgusting. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it without also some strong content warnings, for sexual assault played for laughs to partner abuse. In all ways it embodies the title of Street Trash.
THE STUFF, 1985, DIRECTOR LARRY COHEN
I absolutely love the way this movie starts. A railroad worker sees some marshmallow-like substance bubbling out of the ground and his first thought is to taste it. And it’s delicious! It instantly becomes a product and is marketed as having zero calories.This hurts the sale of ice cream and a former FBI agent is sent to figure out what the heck The Stuff is and destroy it. Who would have guessed, it’s a living organism that takes over the minds of those who eat it and turns them into stay puffed filled zombies. The plot is a bit nonsensical and ridiculous but makes for a fun addition to a horror night!
THE BLOB, 1988, DIRECTOR CHUCK RUSSELL
A remake of the 1958 classic, this version goes all out with horrifying effects. The titular blob looks like a cross between pink silly putty and jellyfish goop. According to the production, they wanted it to be like an inside out stomach, corroding and consuming everything in its path. Some extremely grisly deaths that I think should go in the horror hall of fame personally. Also includes an unfortunately true to life and the health care system in America of taking a man to the hospital and the nurse doesn’t even look up before asking, “Does he have Blue Cross?”
BODY MELT, 1993, DIRECTOR PHILIP BROPHY
I admit I only watched this for the first time recently, but I loved every second of it. A cute Melbourne suburb are the unwitting test subjects for a new dietary supplement pill with some catastrophic side effects. “First phase is hallucinogenic…The second phase is glandular..And the third phase is…BODY MELT!!!” The zany cast of characters, wild, fast camera shots, and pumping electronic music make this an outrageous treat for the senses.
SOCIETY, 1989 (RELEASED 1992), DIRECTOR BRIAN YUZNA
The king of all melt movies, Society lets you know right away that something horrific is coming. The opening credits show…something, glimpses of body parts and more limbs than you can count. “You know you really deserve what’s going to happen to you. You’ll make a wonderful contribution to society.” If the internet somehow has spoiled the event known as THE SHUNTING for you, I don’t want to ruin it. Once you’ve seen it, it will stick with you forever. Mad props to Screaming Mad George for the unforgettable effects in this.
Whether it’s vitamins, marshmallows, or human bodies, there’s a variety of melty movies for every weirdo out there. Have a favourite I missed? Let me know! Happy Halloween ※
LORMAGGOT 