Dreams of Flesh is a 2024 sci-fi horror, written and directed by Davide Pesca with additional writing from Fabrizio Pastura. The film is the third and final installment in the director’s dedicated cyberpunk trilogy, comprised of Night of Doom (2021) and Re-Flesh (2022). Well-known in the extreme cinema scene, Davide is notable for directing visceral shorts for the anthology films Deep Web XXX (2018), A Taste of Phobia (2018), and Faces of Fear (2020), as well as being featured in the documentary Gorenography (2021) along with genre directors Jonathan doe, Mercedes The Muse, Town Newton, and many more.
In the “Neovita” clinic, Dr. Lovo is experimenting with an innovative system. This is a sort of shock therapy that, thanks to the stimulation of the pineal gland and the virtual reality, can cure the psychophysical pathologies of the patients and also those of the doctor, unfortunately with negative results.
With zero exposition to start, Dreams of Flesh thrusts its audience into the complex world of VR technology and its use outside of the gaming world. Implementing a common concept when twinned with a dark, yet graspable new use undoubtedly puts our own societal decline into a technological dystopia lingering uncomfortably close. Furthermore, the stimulation of the pineal gland, though not a new concept in sci-fi horror, with the likes of The Resonator from Stuart Gordon’s From Beyond (1986) instantly springing to mind; the blend of parallel technology with the VR equipment certainly lends an air of relatability overall.
Featuring some solid cinematography throughout, an impressive level of dedication has gone into creating some expressive visuals. A range of attentive establishing shots permeates the oscillating close-ups and dizzying pans of the main cinegraphic style utilized for the most part. Additionally, the implementation of vivid neon-coloured lighting overlaid over each scene undoubtedly plays into the film’s cyberpunk roots. These striking, artificial colours, when combined with the deep crimson perforating from the violent narrative, undeniably form the melding of nature with the synthetic.
Whilst the performances featured in Dreams of Flesh can be a mixed bag at points, for the majority, the cast effectively depicts the digital suffering displayed. Though most of the cast’s roles are performance-based, mostly containing no dialog, each actor utilizes their screen time to give a physically visual rendition of torture and agony. However, most of the film’s interchange is provided by the film’s protagonist, Dr Lovo, played by Ivan Brusa–conveying the narrative in a heavy dose of exposition. Both being the weakest in performance and line delivery, these scenes add a discernable level of monotony to the otherwise fluid pacing established.
A distinct example of style over substance, Dreams of Flesh is a contemporary glimpse into the not-too-distant future of cyberpunk dystopia. With its refreshing story, impressive visuals, and astute practical effects, the film is a flamboyantly sleek exemplification of extreme cinema and the “torture porn” subgenre.
Dreams of Flesh (2024) is available to purchase from GoreDrome’s website here, and TetroVideo’s website here.
More Extreme Cinema Reviews
Confessions of a Serial Killer is a 1985 American horror thriller written and directed by Mark Blair. Surprisingly, the film is the only writer/director credit to Mark’s name, never venturing… Visceral: Between the Ropes of Madness (also known as Visceral: Entre las cuerdas de la locura) is a 2012 Chilean extreme horror film written, directed, and starring Felipe Eluti. Previously,… The Profane Exhibit is a 2013 extreme anthology film featuring work from directors Jeremy Kasten (The Wizard of Gore), Anthony DiBlasi (Malum), Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police), Uwe Boll (Postal),… Audition (1999) is the scariest movie of all time. I say that without hesitation or hyperbole. No other director is as effective with their imagery as Takashi Miike is here,… Making Off (also known as Devil’s Weekend) is a 2012 French extreme found footage film, written and directed by Cédric Dupuis in his feature-length directorial debut. The film is presented… Japanese cinema frequently uses Westerners as extras, so much so that is common for people staying in Japan for an extended period to up with an agency and fill background…
Confessions of a Serial Killer (1985) Film Review – I’m Super Cearal
Visceral: Between the Ropes of Madness (2012) Film Review – Sanity on the Ropes
The Profane Exhibit (2013) Film Review – Horror Anthology 11 Years in the Making
Audition (1999) Film review – A Delightful Descent into Madness
Making Off (2012) Film Review – Satirical Nastiness
Schoolgirl Apocalypse (2011) Film Review – School’s Out Forever
Hey there, I’m Jim and I’m located in London, UK. I am a Writer and Managing Director here at Grimoire of Horror. A lifelong love of horror and writing has led me down this rabbit hole, allowing me to meet many amazing people and experience some truly original artwork. I specialise in world cinema, manga/graphic novels, and video games but will sometime traverse into the unknown in search of adventure.