Unearthed Films Red Krokodil is a Descent Into Something Much Darker Than Just Madness-Fitz of Horror

Written by Bryan Fitzgerald (Fitz of Horror) January 24, 2018

The newest addition to the Unearthed Films library is a 2012 film from director Domiziano Cristopharo called Red Krokodil and it deserves its spot in their lineup.

Synopsis–Red Krokodil tells the story of a man meant to represent all men. It is the story of a man addicted to Krokodil , that suddenly finds himself alone in a post-nuclear city similar to Chernobyl. His physical decay, caused by the massive intake of drugs, is mirrored in his inner world, as reality mixes with hallucinations. The result is a film that uses the Krokodil as a metaphor of destruction.

This movie deals with many themes, from the environment to the use of drugs, but the story is just an excuse that director Domiziano Cristopharo uses to focus on a psychological condition that brings a total detachment from oneself and from the surrounding world. A dark trip that shows no way out. 

Normally a movie about severe drug use/addiction is focused on the persons descent into the madness of the addiction but Red Krokodil picks up at the depths of one mans psychosis and we bare witness to his descent after the madness and into something much darker.

Him, played to perfection by Brock Madson, is a man who is severely addicted to Krokodil, a wildly addictive drug that eats the user from the inside out (seriously, check out pictures on Google). He already has bandages and open sores when the movie starts and his condition only worsens throughout the film.

Brock is so convincing in this role that I couldn’t help but feel his sickness and pain while watching his drug addled post apocalyptic downfall. The movie takes place in his small apartment mainly between his disgusting stain ridden bed and his equally filthy bathroom. The overall feeling of the film was very claustrophobic, uneasy and voyeuristic (basically he is completely naked a good 90% of the time).

Even with all of these disgusting and uneasy things presented visually, I couldn’t take my eyes off of the screen. There was so much care and effort put into this film by the director that it plays out like an extremely twisted art house movie. We see an individual in the grips of addiction to a drug that is slowly eating him from the inside out but there are also flashbacks to him as a normal and seemingly drug (or at least Krokodil) free individual. He wrestles with his inner demons that sometimes become a distorted reality before his eyes and also tries to hold onto what little humanity and dignity he has left. His struggle is deep and almost sad to watch.

Red Krokodil isn’t a fast paced, action packed movie by any stretch but it is very smart and deliberate in its pace. It’s not as gore filled as other Unearthed Films entries but it does fit right in. I highly recommend this film to fans of “body horror” or mind bending horror. As is the case with most Unearthed Films movies, Red Krokodil will no doubt leave you with your jaw on the floor when the credits begin to roll.

Get your copy of Red Krokodil Unrated Directors Cut on Amazon or at Unearthed Films website.

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