“Solvent” Has Splatter and Guts

Solvent (Johannes Grenzfurthner, 2024) 4 out of 5 stars

While searching for Nazi documents in an Austrian farmhouse, a team of experts uncovers a hidden secret buried in its bowels. American expatriate Gunner S. Holbrook becomes obsessed with solving the mystery, and as his sanity wanes, he must confront an insatiable evil. Can he find redemption before it drains the life out of him?

“Splatter gore” is the best possible phrase to describe Solvent, the latest film from Johannes Grenzfurthner (Hacking at Leaves). It’s a true in-your-face cinematic experience. While the messaging is beyond obvious, it’s a message that is incredibly horrifying. Grenzfurthner is wise enough to understand that humor is a match made in heaven for the horror genre; a trembling scare pairs nicely with a gut-tickling chuckle. Nobody would blame an audience member for giggling with glee as Nazis—the human embodiment of evil—meet their end in horrific and gory ways.

This story is a slow burn, and Grenzfurthner finds a way to make it work with the tired format of the found-footage film. The movie never reinvents this format. Still, for someone like me who has given up on seeing true reinvention in this sub-genre of horror, Solvent’s other cinematic elements carry your attention enough for that type of style not to matter.

Solvent is a bonkers exploration of the lengths some people will go to for the sake of their own obsession. This theme is elevated by its use of body horror; this is a horror-film technique where our own body comes under attack from our greatest psychological fears. Even if body mutilation is not your bag as a horror fan, the sheer impressive craft of the special-effects artists who bring this horror to life can’t be denied.

It is essential to understand that this film is intentionally designed to make you feel uncomfortable. And while it’s understandable to sidestep the things that make us squirm, we have to remind ourselves that the undeniable truths of the world are always the most challenging to accept. The truth of fascism and its disgusting effects on human existence is certainly present in Solvent, believe me.

Patrick Howard

Patrick Howard has been a cinephile since age seven. Alongside 10 years of experience in film analysis and criticism, he is a staunch supporter of all art forms and believes their influence and legacy over human culture is vital. Mr. Howard takes the time to write his own narrative stories when he can.