Visceral: Between the Ropes of Madness (2012) Film Review – Sanity on the Ropes

Posted on by Jim Cox

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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, Felipe worked as an editor on the Spanish-language drama La Mujer de Iván (2011), and went on to act in Lucio A. Rojas’ Trauma (2017).

A washed-up boxer waiting for his big break to prove himself worthy of the champion’s title finds himself trapped in a hopeless struggle, rejected by his mother, and devoid of feelings. But when his manager offers him the chance of a lifetime to fight in a winner-take-all match, the ambitious contender becomes a vessel of pure evil and a relentless instrument of destruction of human flesh. And with every soul he provides, the unholy bond between him and the infernal guardian gradually tightens, and the bigger the suffering, the greater the reward. Is he hell’s next champion?

Following an atypical story structure, Visceral: Between the Ropes of Madness’ narrative is delivered non-sequentially, seemingly jumping chronologically with zero forewarning. While this may be slightly confusing at conception, the subtle changes in our main character’s appearance–such as his hair and beard growing out–make for an intuitive means of relaying its linear timeline through non-intrusive means. As such, the film is frontloaded with scene after scene of graphic torture that washes over the audience superficially. Providing zero context for these scenes, ostensibly just a sickening display of violence. This lack of a framework surrounding this turbulent torture certainly strengthens its overall impact, dispensing a non-stop barrage of blood-soaked abuse.

However, as Visceral: Between the Ropes of Madness progresses, its narrative is gradually drip-fed to the audience. This revelation of the plot, while sporadic, slowly pieces together some semblance of reasoning behind these brutal murders. Yet, this divulgence of information hardly detracts from its veracity, bestowing little to no catharsis upon its conclusion–only a deep sense of pessimism.

Beginning with a quote from notorious Ukrainian serial killer Anatoli Onprienko, this intro graphic certainly sets the scene for the nauseating debatchurary in store for the audience. Showcasing such vile acts as mutilation, cannibalism, necrophilia, rape, disembowling, flaying, and much more, the film achieves this disturbing visualisation through incredibly pragmatic practical effects. Provided by Francisco Braithwaite, this authentic representation of agony is an outrageous mix of fairly realistic blood work to over-the-top extreme splatter that grows in intensity as the film progresses. Additionally, the film features undertones of fetishism through its excessive use of rope binding, Shibari, and mummification. While not exactly the focus of a scene, its inclusion and influence are certainly discernible.

Featuring a rather large cast for extreme cinema, the acting in Visceral: Between the Ropes of Madness is undoubtedly one of its strongest points. With most actors portraying torture victims, their highly animated performances unmistakably convey an uneasiness to the audience. Their prolonged cries and screams of anguish, accompanied by the guttural sounds and sights of violence, effectively capture a certain verisimilitude that can be difficult to watch at times. Despite this, it’s the performance of the protagonist/writer/director Felipe Eluti that stands out as the film’s cynosure. Delivering a compelling display of a broken mind, Felipe’s detached lack of emotion in his torturous actions feels inherently hardwired and is a fantastic yet dark depiction of psychopathy.

As nihilistic as it is vicious, Visceral: Between the Ropes of Madness is an alarming descent into abduction, dismemberment, and torment. With its unwavering tenacity, impressive practical effects, and unnerving use of sound, the film is a gritty descent into madness that will leave a lasting impression on its audience. Yet, the atypical narrative structure elevates the film above the standard torture film to an enigmatic thrill ride, sure to engross those who can handle its extreme nature.

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Visceral: Between the Ropes of Madness (2012) is available to purchase from Unearthed Films’ website here.

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