In the broad strokes, if not the fine details, we've seen this movie before, including the ending: A sympathetic protagonist, struggling with personal difficulties even before the plot begins. Abusive ex (an abusive cop, at that - quell surprise). Neighbors both kind and dubious. Worsening circumstances, building to a head, as the protagonist appears unhinged to others. 'Gnaw,' also known as 'Apartment 212,' isn't remarkable, but it's well done and enjoyable all the same.
The cast are all swell. Among others, star Penelope Mitchell gives a great performance as protagonist Jennifer, very capably portraying the hapless woman's deteriorating state of mind with nuanced range, strength of personality, and physicality. Kyle Gass is a treasure as neighbor Terry, embracing conviviality and perhaps a touch of naivete. And Sally Kirkland leans wholly into the despicable imperiousness of landlady Claudette, a bit of acting that's all too believable.
Cheers to the makeup and hair crew helmed by Emily McKim for great work all around, and most especially in depicting the wounds that increasingly mark Jennifer. I also admire the contributions of the effects department; the design of the nastiness plaguing the protagonist is actually pretty great, and it looks unexpectedly good on the screen. From a technical standpoint this is solid, and though perhaps not the most gripping or original story around, I think the screenplay is just fine. Characters and dialogue are reasonably well-rounded and feel real, the overall narrative is solid, and some scenes are especially well considered, the climax most of all.
I don't think there's any specific weakness here. If my words seem noncommittal, consider that an extension of the film: it's well made all around, but there's not truly anything that leaps out to set it apart, to make elevate it above countless other horror films. Still, again - though unexceptional, the writing and technical aspects are quite suitable, and the result is a pretty good time. So long as one isn't so discriminating in their viewing selections as to exclude features that operate on this level, then 'Gnaw' is a sufficiently entertaining genre flick, and a decent way to spend 100 minutes if you come across it.
The cast are all swell. Among others, star Penelope Mitchell gives a great performance as protagonist Jennifer, very capably portraying the hapless woman's deteriorating state of mind with nuanced range, strength of personality, and physicality. Kyle Gass is a treasure as neighbor Terry, embracing conviviality and perhaps a touch of naivete. And Sally Kirkland leans wholly into the despicable imperiousness of landlady Claudette, a bit of acting that's all too believable.
Cheers to the makeup and hair crew helmed by Emily McKim for great work all around, and most especially in depicting the wounds that increasingly mark Jennifer. I also admire the contributions of the effects department; the design of the nastiness plaguing the protagonist is actually pretty great, and it looks unexpectedly good on the screen. From a technical standpoint this is solid, and though perhaps not the most gripping or original story around, I think the screenplay is just fine. Characters and dialogue are reasonably well-rounded and feel real, the overall narrative is solid, and some scenes are especially well considered, the climax most of all.
I don't think there's any specific weakness here. If my words seem noncommittal, consider that an extension of the film: it's well made all around, but there's not truly anything that leaps out to set it apart, to make elevate it above countless other horror films. Still, again - though unexceptional, the writing and technical aspects are quite suitable, and the result is a pretty good time. So long as one isn't so discriminating in their viewing selections as to exclude features that operate on this level, then 'Gnaw' is a sufficiently entertaining genre flick, and a decent way to spend 100 minutes if you come across it.