Filmmaker David Cronenberg is no stranger to gore and body horror. Directing such classics as Shivers (1975), Rabid (1977), The Brood (1979), Videodrome (1983), and The Fly (1986), audiences know to expect the unexpected from his films. Prior to screening Cronenberg’s newest feature, Crimes of the Future, the director predicted Cannes would not be ready for what he was bringing. And he was apparently correct.
During an interview with Deadline, Cronenberg said about the May 23rd Cannes showing:
“There are some very strong scenes. I mean, I’m sure that we will have walkouts within the first five minutes of the movie. I’m sure of that. Some people who have seen the film have said that they think the last 20 minutes will be very hard on people and that there’ll be a lot of walkouts.”
IGN has now confirmed that there were indeed walkouts. The outlet reported, “At several points during its debut screening at the Cannes Film Festival, scenes of violent, gory body horror proved too much for some viewers. Notably, the majority of walkouts took place within the first five minutes, with others exiting during a particularly grotesque scene involving Léa Seydoux and an open wound.”
However, it’s also worth noting that Crimes of the Future earned a six-minute standing ovation at Cannes. In a speech, David Cronenberg said, “I’m speechless, really — this is the first time I’ve seen this movie on a screen this big. I’m very touched by your response. I hope you’re not kidding, I hope you mean it.” He went on to say, “Thank you so much. It’s wonderful for me to share the movie finally with human beings. It really helps.”
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The film will release to the masses on June 10, 2022. The official synopsis reads:
As the human species adapts to a synthetic environment, the body undergoes new transformations and mutations. Accompanied by his partner, celebrity performance artist Saul Tenser showcases the metamorphosis of his organs. Meanwhile, a mysterious group tries to use Saul’s notoriety to shed light on the next phase of human evolution.
