⭐⭐⭐⭐

Luca Guadagnino’s Bones and All defies simple categorization as a hit or miss; it’s an experience that lingers long after viewing. This romantic horror film intricately weaves a grotesque and profoundly human narrative. Set in the stark, haunting landscapes of the 1980s Midwest, it is the story of two young cannibals, Maren (Taylor Russell) and Lee (Timothée Chalamet), whose shared darkness creates an unexpected love story.

The film begins with Maren, whose unsettling craving for human flesh occurs during a sleepover episode. Abandoned by her father in the aftermath, she embarks on a road trip to locate her estranged mother. During her journey, she encounters Lee, another outcast, and they forge a connection amidst America’s rusted and broken landscapes. Guadagnino is patient with their story, allowing every nuanced moment of Maren and Lee’s tumultuous yet tender bond to unfold gradually. This harrowing journey introduces them to other “eaters,” like Sully (Mark Rylance), prompting complex revelations about morality, identity, and the need to survive.

Taylor Russell gives a captivating performance as Maren, infusing the character with a compelling blend of vulnerability and resilience that avoids alienation. Her portrayal transforms Maren, who grapples with her monstrous desires, into someone strikingly relatable. Simultaneously, Timothée Chalamet shines as Lee, bringing a raw, jagged energy to his role—he’s charismatic yet deeply flawed, filled with hope but burdened by his own dark truths. Together, they foster an enchanting chemistry that injects warmth into the film despite its underlying bloodshed.

Bones and All transcends the theme of cannibalism; it delves into the yearning for belonging and the relentless pursuit of love in a world that often feels unwelcoming. Guadagnino masterfully juxtaposes the grotesque with the poetic, creating a cinematic piece that is as frightfully beautiful as it is disconcerting. The haunting score further enhances the experience with melodies that resonate as profoundly as the film’s striking visuals.

During its theatrical run, Bones and All garnered a modest box office take, earning approximately $14.6 million globally. Though not a financial blockbuster, its heartfelt storytelling and unique approach to genre filmmaking have carved a niche with audiences, ensuring its legacy as a thought-provoking work of art.

By the time the credits rolled, I understood this was not merely a film but an experience. Bones and All is not an easy watch, but a narrative lingers like a bittersweet recollection. Kudos to Guadagnino and his remarkable cast for crafting something so hauntingly beautiful.

The only question that lingered at the end of the film was the fate of its central characters. Guadagnino leaves Maren and Lee hanging, allowing the audience to wonder what ultimately becomes of them. This unresolved ending adds an additional layer of intrigue and invites viewers to contemplate their journey long after it has concluded. It’s a bold choice that captures the film’s unsettling essence, leaving us both captivated and yearning for closure.

Copyright ©️2025 by Frank Gaimari

Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.

---