Directed by: Norbert Keil
Written by: Richard Stanley and Norbert Keil
Stars: Rebecca Forsythe (The Bronx Bull), Lucie Aron (Berlin Syndrome), Sean Knopp and genre icon Barbara Crampton
Rating: Unrated — Runtime: 1h 41 min
Our Rating: ★★

Replace has an interesting point of view and as described in the title of this post it’s very Elizabeth Báthory, just unfortunately way less interesting and entertaining.

Afflicted with a dermatological disease, young and beautiful Kira discovers that she can replace her skin with that of other girls. Helped by her lover, she plots a murder and the victim becomes her donor, but when the disease returns, she is forced to find more victims.

Although, Replace has an engaging premise, the film itself is a bit too slow in its pace and it’s finale is dull. At first glance the viewer will be a little shocked if not jarred and maybe even put off by the film’s color palette. The tint of the film is very surreal and ethereal which gives an almost a dream like feel to the film. The beauty mixed with the gore does not help drive the narrative in any way or draw you into the film. The overall performances aren’t bad, as I feel the actors were working with what they had on the page. Replace is saddled with characters and a plot that are just not interesting enough to make you really care if anyone survives including the lead. (How many times am I going say interesting in this post?)

Barbara Crampton of course is Barbara Crampton. She is good as a villain-ish character in this movie. I am not gonna spoil you on Crampton’s story line however, she plays a doctor in the film that is originally treating Kira’s problem. Eventually, she becomes a different dangerous problem on her own.

Replace is currently on DVD and VOD.