“Brian doesn’t seem his usual self this morning”. Is Brian just having one of those days or has an alien creature taken possession of his body and is using him as a human host? The concept of shape-shifting is one which has wrung true with many film lovers over the years. The continuing popularity of The Thing, Quatermass and the Pit, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Invaders from Mars demonstrates its lasting appeal. In his new film Lifechanger, director Justin McConnell takes a refreshingly different approach to the sub-genre.
In order to avoid a painful death, Drew (Bill Oberst Jr.) has to keep shape-shifting. He doesn’t know what he is or how he got here but if he stays in a body for too long the rot sets in. Whilst he can fend this off with drugs, prescription or otherwise, the ‘disease’ seems to be getting worse. Leaving him just a short time to make things right with the object of his affection, Julia (Lora Burke). The trouble is, how is he meant to do this when his time in one host is so short?
Lifechanger is an intelligent mix of body horror, science-fiction and romance which is engaging and thought-provoking. The special effects are cleverly done but it’s the premise which will keep you hooked. Indeed, Lifechanger will leave you with many questions. It’s a treatise on what it is to be human. On the human psyche and the self-delusion of wanting to be someone else. The foolishness of looking at others with envy without knowing what they’re feeling inside. Whilst possession is nine-tenths of the law, it doesn’t make it right.
Life changer is released on Digital HD on 11 March.
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