Is In the Flesh Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2025, In the Flesh represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Suzanne is a homemaker with an erotic fixation on her butcher and his expert handling of flesh…a skill that stands in sharp contrast to the rote sex life she shares with her husband, Tom. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Suzanne is a homemaker with an erotic fixation on her butcher and his expert handling of flesh…a skill that stands in sharp contrast to the rote sex life she shares with her husband, Tom. To make matters more complicated, the butcher, unbeknownst to our protagonist, is trans-masculine, and Suzanne is not exactly LGBTQ+ aware; she’s overtly dismissive of her non-binary teenager’s gender identity, Ruth. Things come to a head when Tom invites Tracy, his estranged adult niece, to dinner. Suzanne visits her butcher and prepares a prime cut exactly as he suggests. Later, when the doorbell rings, she’s met with a shocking surprise. This mystery family member is the butcher – the butcher is Tracy. As the evening progresses, Suzanne must navigate her conflicting desires, face her prejudices, and acknowledge a deep-seated longing for something more."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Miriam Silverman does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Emily Frances Kaplan is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 16 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is In the Flesh truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, In the Flesh explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2025 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Emily Frances Kaplan respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, In the Flesh is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Miriam Silverman or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, In the Flesh is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.