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Timothée Chalamet has proven his versatility through an array of roles—from personifying the hero Paul Atreides in “Dune” to showcasing his comedic chops alongside Pete Davidson in a memorable “Saturday Night Live” sketch. Yet, among his many creative endeavors, his portrayal in the romantic horror film “Bones and All” stands out as one of his most compelling performances. Despite earning a commendable 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, this film remains underappreciated, largely eclipsed at the box office.
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Released in 2022, “Bones and All” was up against stiff competition. It launched just a week after the eagerly awaited “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and coincided with the release of another horror film, “The Menu,” which boasted a high-profile cast including Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicholas Hoult. Consequently, “Bones and All” struggled to capture viewers’ attention, grossing only around $15 million against its $20 million budget. However, with its arrival on Netflix, this underrated film is now reaching new audiences.
Though director Luca Guadagnino has received more acclaim for his 2024 film “Challengers,” “Bones and All” encapsulates many of the elements that audiences adored in the Zendaya-starring film. It reunites Guadagnino with Chalamet, following their collaboration in 2017’s “Call Me by Your Name.” The film features a strong on-screen connection between Chalamet and co-star Taylor Russell, a captivating score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and a gripping narrative that explores the limits of love. While “Bones and All” may not exude the sensuality of “Challengers,” it strikes similar emotional chords, albeit within a different setting.
Set in 1988, “Bones and All” crafts a dark yet enchanting romance within a universe where cannibalism is bizarrely commonplace. Those driven by this urge are known as ‘eaters.’ Guadagnino artfully shifts the focus from the unsettling theme of cannibalism to the tender love story between Maren (Russell) and Lee (Chalamet). As the narrative unfolds, the audience becomes engrossed in the couple’s emotional journey, leading to a poignant and thought-provoking conclusion. It’s a testament to Guadagnino’s skill that he manages to weave romance into such a macabre context, making “Bones and All” a unique cinematic experience.
Bones and All is the perfect dark romance
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
While director Luca Guadagnino is more often praised for his 2024 film “Challengers,” “Bones and All” features everything audiences love about the Zendaya-led flick while reuniting Guadagnino with Timothée Chalamet, following 2017’s “Call Me by Your Name.” It boasts excellent chemistry between stars Chalamet and Taylor Russell, another great score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and a tragic story that keeps you enthralled and questioning how far you would go for love. It may not be as sexy as “Challengers,” but “Bones and All” hits all the same beats, just against a different backdrop.
“Bones and All” is the perfect dark romance. Cannibalism is common in this 1988-set universe, and those who express the urge are colloquially called eaters. Guadagnino makes you forget “eating” is what brings Maren (Russell) and Lee (Chalamet) together, instead leaving you captivated with how they fall in love. Without spoiling the ending, Maren carries out Lee’s last request, but rather than being disgusted, you’re wrapped up in the emotion and thoughtfulness of the action. It’s hard to make cannibalism romantic, but Guadagnino does that and then some with “Bones and All.”
