Extreme horror isn’t for everyone. I think it’s a necessary part of one’s horror education, and a valuable form of expression overall. Horror is political, and extreme horror is often at the tail end of that; stridently, urgently political. Extreme horror is a call to action, confronting audiences with sociopolitical truths and the ugliness of reality they’d rather not face. It doesn’t necessarily make for happy viewing, but it’s worthwhile all the same.
Now, as I’ve gotten older, I will concede it’s been harder for me to enjoy (whatever that means) extreme horror. I’ll still seek it out by virtue of some combination of FOMO and curiosity, but it’s harder and harder for me to stomach. I soldier on, however, since some of the genre’s brightest voices are presently working in that space, including Karim Ouelhaj. His 2022 feature Megalomaniac might just be the most soul-crushing, violent, and disturbing horror movie you’ll see this decade. If you’re brave enough to venture into the bowels of true evil, Megalomaniac is now streaming free on Tubi.
Per Tubi: After being harassed and assaulted at work, Martha descends into madness and joins her brother Félix in his terrifying, murderous spree.
Megalomaniac isn’t fun to view. I’m always hesitant to use clinical terms when describing a movie, but this is earnestly a depressing watch. It lingers, and you’re left grappling with this violent, nebulous cloud of sadness and despair long after the credits roll. Assuming you make it that far, that is. What comes before is so shocking, so violent, and so extreme, you’ll feel your humanity stripped away bit by bit. That it’s grounded in a somewhat true story makes it that much more upsetting.
Our Editor-in-Chief, Mary Beth McAndrews, wrote in her four-star review of the film, “Megalomaniac is by no means a pleasant watch. Some could even call it downright miserable. But, it is also an exquisitely repulsive one that isn’t afraid to find beauty in abjection. Ouelhaj’s film is challenging and bizarre, certain to garner the attention of extreme horror fans hungry for new depravity. And depravity it brings, as Ouelhaj’s eye for violence is as captivating as it is disturbing. This movie feels cursed and dirty, and for that reason, I love it even more. If that’s your vibe, then this is a required watch.” Maybe it’s not the best pick for family movie night, but Mary Beth is right – in its own distinct way, Megalomaniac is required viewing.
What do you think? Any plans to check out Megalomaniac streaming free on Tubi? If you do, let me know how much the film upset you over on Twitter @Chadiscollins.
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