A notoriously brutal horror film that reportedly caused cinema-goers to faint during its original release is now available to stream for free on Amazon's Prime Video platform.
A Love Story with a Grisly Twist
The R-rated film 'Bones and All', directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, first premiered in 2022. It stars Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell as two young cannibals, Lee and Maren, who form a dangerous bond while grappling with their compulsion to consume human flesh. The narrative, adapted from Camille DeAngelis's 2015 novel, has been described by many as a horrifying, gory take on the classic 'Romeo and Juliet' love story.
The plot follows Maren as she searches for her mother, crossing paths with the intense drifter Lee. Their journey is complicated by Sully, an older, obsessive eater of human flesh who becomes fixated on Maren. Prime Video's official synopsis sets the scene: "In a world that cannot abide who they truly are, a young woman... and an intense, disenfranchised drifter embark upon a road trip, searching for identity and chasing beauty in a perilous world."
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Warnings
The film was met with significant critical praise, achieving an impressive 82% score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes and winning awards, including the Best Young Actress award for Taylor Russell at the 2022 Venice International Film Festival, where it had its world premiere.
However, its success is tempered by stark viewer warnings. There were widespread reports in 2022 of audience members fainting, vomiting, and screaming during theatrical screenings, a fact confirmed by director Guadagnino in an interview with the Irish Times. This legacy continues online, with many current viewers urging caution.
One fan on IMDb, where the film holds a 6.8/10 rating, advised: "Be warned though - this movie has lots of blood and gore, so it's not for the faint of heart." Another bluntly stated: "Not for the faint-hearted and definitely don't eat a lot before the movie." Critics also noted the film's intense duality; Barry Hertz of the Globe and Mail called it "beautiful and unhinged all in the same bite."
Streaming Success Despite Box Office Performance
Despite its artistic recognition, 'Bones and All' was considered a box office disappointment, grossing $15.2 million globally against a reported budget of $16-20 million. Its arrival on Prime Video represents a new chapter, allowing a wider audience to experience the film that has cultivated a dedicated following.
Online reviews from viewers highlight its unique blend of genres. One called it "the perfect balance between horror and romance. The masterpiece I never knew I needed," while another described it as "a truly twisted Romeo and Juliet story that horrifies you and pulls on the heart strings at the same time."
'Bones and All' is streaming now on Prime Video in the UK. Prospective viewers are strongly advised to heed the numerous warnings about its graphic and unsettling content before pressing play.
