[Film Review] Rot (1999)

No-budget filmmaking should be praised for its mere existence. Creativity comes in all forms and no form should be discouraged. That being said, films that are made on a dime are certainly not for everyone, especially those that attempt to cross boundaries into extreme territory. Rot, the 1999 release from Marcus Koch, is one such film that is surely too much bad stuff for most viewers. The necrophilia notwithstanding, it will likely be the over-the-top manic acting and barely discernible picture that turns most off to this whacked out B-movie. 

Rot follows Sarah and Muzzy, two hyperactive punk kids who are intent on wreaking havoc on the world and each other. After Sarah inexplicably has sex with one of the corpses she is supposed to be sketching, she is infected with the titular rot that has been created by a psychotic scientist named Robert Olsen. These details seem to be mere afterthoughts however, as Sarah and Muzzy alternate between panic, horniness, and whiney rage while avoiding all attempts to find a cure for their disease.  

After Muzzy discovers that Sarah has infected him, he goes out of his way to tell her how disgusting she is, at the same time groping and making out with her. There are a few comedic moments, such as when Muzzy says “you better not do that again” after she vomits into his mouth while they’re kissing, a shockingly underwhelming reaction. But overall the point, if there is one, is missed. Unlike other films that explore the decomposition of a living body, like Thanatomorphose, Rot does so in a way that lacks a theme or cohesive narrative. And unlike even other films that delve into necrophilia (Nekromantik), this one isn’t quite so explicit that it can be rightfully considered a solid entry into the sub-category. That’s not to say there isn’t a place within the genre sphere for such meandering outings. However, it does get boring to hear the same improvisational dialogue screamed over and over when really all I’d like to do is turn up the punk music playing under the scene and watch what little practical effects are attempted. 

The DIY aesthetic of Rot deserves some praise. There is a sense that the team who put the film together had a great time and there are some really disgusting moments that deserve a polite nod. But it can’t be denied that it feels like the whole thing could have been made as a tight 20-minute short film and achieve the same goal.

ROT will be available for pre-order from Tetro Video from July 2021. The film comes on DVD + Amaray + vintage inspired slipcase. Order your copy now!

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