"BLISS" - MOVIE REVIEW / A DESCENT INTO MADNESS AND VAMPIRIC CHAOS / HORROR MOVIE

 

^{*Bliss*, a 2019 horror film written and directed by Joe Begos, is a visceral and chaotic exploration of art, addiction, and vampirism. The film stars Dora Madison as Dezzy, a struggling artist who spirals into madness after taking a powerful hallucinogenic drug to break through her creative block. Described as a vampire film, *Bliss* is a raw, unflinching portrayal of one woman’s descent into darkness, blending body horror, psychedelic visuals, and a frenetic energy that keeps viewers on edge.}

 

^{The story follows Dezzy, a talented but deeply troubled painter who is facing a severe creative block. Her career is on the brink of collapse, and she is under immense pressure to deliver a new masterpiece to her gallery. Desperate for inspiration, Dezzy turns to a mysterious drug called "Bliss," which she obtains from her drug dealer friend, Hadrian (played by Graham Skipper). The drug promises to unlock her creativity and push her artistic boundaries, but it comes with dangerous and unpredictable side effects.}

 

^{As Dezzy begins to use Bliss, she experiences intense hallucinations and a surge of creative energy. She locks herself in her apartment, painting feverishly day and night, but the drug’s effects quickly take a dark turn. Dezzy’s reality begins to unravel, and she starts to lose her grip on sanity. Her hallucinations become increasingly violent and disturbing, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. The film’s visual style mirrors Dezzy’s deteriorating mental state, with frenzied camerawork, neon-soaked lighting, and a pulsating synth score that heightens the sense of chaos.}

 

^{As Dezzy’s addiction to Bliss deepens, she begins to exhibit strange and horrifying symptoms. She develops an insatiable thirst for blood, and her body undergoes grotesque transformations. Dezzy’s friends, including Hadrian and her roommate Courtney (played by Tru Collins), try to intervene, but they are powerless to stop her downward spiral. Dezzy’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent, and she starts to prey on those around her to satisfy her newfound cravings.}

 

^{The film’s portrayal of vampirism is unconventional and deeply rooted in body horror. Dezzy’s transformation is not the glamorous, romanticized version often seen in vampire lore; instead, it is a gruesome and painful process. Her skin becomes pale and cracked, her eyes turn black, and her teeth sharpen into fangs. The physical changes are accompanied by a loss of humanity, as Dezzy becomes more animalistic and driven by primal urges. The film does not shy away from graphic depictions of violence and gore, emphasizing the brutal and visceral nature of Dezzy’s transformation.}

 

^{As Dezzy’s bloodlust grows, she becomes a danger to everyone around her. Her once-thriving social life disintegrates as she isolates herself in her apartment, surrounded by her increasingly macabre artwork. The paintings, which were initially vibrant and full of life, become dark and chaotic, reflecting Dezzy’s inner turmoil. Her descent into madness is paralleled by the deterioration of her art, as she sacrifices her humanity in pursuit of creative perfection.}

 

^{The film’s climax is a frenetic and bloody showdown, as Dezzy’s friends attempt to stop her before she can cause more harm. The final act is a whirlwind of violence and chaos, with Dezzy fully embracing her vampiric nature. The line between reality and hallucination becomes completely blurred, leaving viewers questioning what is real and what is a product of Dezzy’s drug-induced psychosis.}

 

^{*Bliss* is not a traditional vampire film; it is a gritty, unrelenting exploration of addiction and the destructive power of obsession. Dezzy’s journey is a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking inspiration at any cost. The film’s raw and unfiltered approach to storytelling, combined with its striking visual style, makes it a standout entry in the horror genre. Dora Madison’s performance as Dezzy is both captivating and unsettling, capturing the character’s descent into madness with raw intensity.}

 

^{In the end, *Bliss* leaves viewers with a sense of unease and a lingering question: was Dezzy’s transformation into a vampire real, or was it a hallucination brought on by the drug? The film’s ambiguous ending invites interpretation, leaving audiences to grapple with the themes of art, addiction, and the price of creative genius. *Bliss* is a bold and uncompromising film that pushes the boundaries of the horror genre, offering a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.}