Contracted (2013) is a disturbing and visceral entry into the body horror genre that takes a simple, terrifying premise and follows it to its gruesome conclusion. The film follows Samantha, a young woman whose life spirals into a nightmare after she is assaulted at a party. What begins as concern over a potential STD rapidly escalates into a full-blown physical and psychological meltdown as her body begins to decompose while she's still alive.

Director Eric England crafts a relentlessly grim atmosphere, focusing on intimate, unsettling details to maximize the horror. The film's power lies in its slow-burn approach, making Samantha's transformation feel horrifically plausible. Najarra Townsend delivers a committed and physically demanding performance, authentically portraying the character's descent from confusion to utter despair and horror.

While the film's low-budget constraints are occasionally visible, they often work in its favor, lending a raw, gritty realism to the bodily decay. Contracted is not for the faint of heart; it's a deeply uncomfortable watch that explores themes of trauma, loss of control, and violation. For horror fans seeking a movie that prioritizes disturbing physical horror and a palpable sense of dread over jump scares, Contracted is a compelling and memorable experience. Watch it for a unique and harrowing take on infection horror that will linger long after the credits roll.