Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

Over half the of the horror movies produced have been made with the hopes of becoming a cult classic. Unless the movie happens to be a big budget production, which even then we are starting to see attempts to make those movies more cult like (Grindhouse), many directors ruin their film striving for this goal. That’s not the case with Repo! The Genetic Opera. Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, this symphony of terror plays perfectly off of the worlds interest in such demonic individuals as Sweeney Todd with his obsession for fresh meat pies. This is the story of a future where one can easily purchase replacement limbs, but those who do so on layaway will find that their organs won’t be removed so kindly if they can’t manage to keep up with their payments. The film has so far received an amazing response at the Fantasia film festival, making it fairly confusing as to why it will only see theaters in limited engagements under Lions Gate Films this November.

Originally written to be performed in underground theater, writers Darren Smith and Terrance Zdunich worked hard to transform the story into a perfectly fitting version for the big screen. Their involvement didn’t stop their either as Zdunich not only drew the interestingly used comic book panels within the movie, he also played a role as one of the grave robbers who serves in a similar fashion as a Greek chorus would.

The criminal underground has grown substantially due to a recent increase in organ failures. Geneco, a company whose sole business is to provide replacement organs for a hefty price, is steadily rising in strength and power under the leadership of Rotti Largo (Paul Sorvino). Rotti isn’t running this operation alone, although he may have found things more successful that way. Instead, he’s accompanied by his adult children Luigi (Bill Moseley), Pavi (Orge from Skinny Puppy), and Amber Sweet (Paris Hilton). Needing someone to depend on to get their organs back, Rotti continuously turns to his best repo man Nathan Wallace. There’s something sinister and underlying about the relationship between Rotti and Nathan besides their sadistic desires to retrieve the company organs at no regard to those currently using them. But Nathan’s job ends at the door to his home, as he has to take care of his sick teenage daughter Shilo (Alexa Vega).

Don’t forget, the story in Repo! The Genetic Opera is portrayed through song. While this may convince some that they won’t be nearly as terrified or frightened by what you see on the screen, you’ll be quite surprised to hear just how many times the audience shrieks during the film.