If you needed any clarification of what the end result of “Contracted” was, then “Phase II” pretty much shows all of its cards for its audience. That may either be a plus for the audience returning to see how the narrative unfolds, or a major missed opportunity for folks that appreciate some ambiguity. True, both films are in essence body horror movies, but they also transform in to brutally creepy and unique zombie films that rely on the grotesque nature of transforming in to the undead. Basically, “Contracted” builds on a more morbid and damaging form of disease transferred through bodily fluids that begin to take massive tolls on its victims.
“Phase II” is set immediately after the events of the first film. Sam emerges from the wreckage of her car hungry for flesh and is instantly taken down by police. While we garner a crystal clear idea of what the effects of this disease are on the human body, we jump to character Riley. The disease is transferred to him after engaging in sex with Riley, prompting another symbolic rotting of the body. Josh Forbes and writer Craig Walendziak unfold new layers to the narrative we saw in “Contracted” exploring the idea behind the initial rape of Sam and how Riley actually witnessed the crime and didn’t act on stopping it from occurring.
This inherent cowardice takes its toll as he now is seemingly punished for his apathy experiencing new and unusual symptoms from the disease that also begins rotting him from the outside in. “Phase II” is a mixed bag that expands on the ideas from the first film, while also developing in to a lame gimmick. One thing I hate about franchise in Hollywood is that most times sequels can just feel like mere doorways in to the next film. They never feel like their own complete tale. That’s what “Phase II” suffers from. It’s all just propping up for “Phase III” (?). Once you get a glimpse at the final scene, and the mid-credits scene, it definitely cements itself more as an episode rather than its own film, which is irritating. This means “Phase II” really can’t be watched alone, because there’s just no satisfying resolution.
It’s too bad that even indie filmmakers aren’t immune to such a cheap ploy. Do I want to see how all the events of the second film eventually transpire? Sure, but try to build a compelling film to keep me coming back. Don’t end on a “To Be Continued!” closing scene. The themes of the effects of sexual abuse also never quite hit as hard as they did in the original, mainly because Riley is more a spectator than a victim. In a year where we had “It Follows,” the themes of unprotected sex and rape admittedly fall flat. That said, the inevitable rotting of Riley does develop in to successfully gross out moments of gore and grue, including a scene involving cheese dip. I also found Riley’s descent in to insanity much more engrossing mainly because he is written more as a flawed protagonist trying to atone for his mistakes. If you must continue the story from “Contracted,” this follow up does the trick as slow boil horror and splatter despite its major flaws.