The first thing that comes to mind with Harley Wallen‘s Final Recovery is that the crew behind productions like Ash & Bone and Beneath Us All have learned a few things along the way. Indie horror productions are often seen as lesser passion projects, and production value isn’t always considered as an aspect that can make your movies look better. Wallen, a veteran director in his own universe, is keen on making a different movie this time. Final Recovery is, without question, a huge jump ahead in terms of storytelling and production value. The best thing about it? Wallen also knows that his movies serve audience members who know what they want. He doesn’t remove the B-movie element from his narrative. In other words, Final Recovery is framed in a different style, but at the heart of the story, the ghouls are still alive and kicking. And they are the essential pieces of the Wallen-verse, even though there’s nothing supernatural about them now. On the contrary, this time, the monsters are human.
Final Recovery is, of course, a different movie than those Wallen has made in the past. The story follows a recovering drug addict who ends up in the Sage Treatment Facility, where Nanny Lou runs a different kind of business. The old lady, who’s seemingly harmless and kind like the best grandmother ever, is interested in keeping addicts inside because of a dark secret she harbors in the back of the clinic. Rodney rebels against her, and when the truth comes out in the open, well, it’s mayhem. Harvey Wallen-style mayhem, with blood and guts all around.
Curiously, the best thing about Final Recovery is when it admits that it doesn’t aim to be part of the horror genre. It’s a contemplative story with compelling performances by Jasper Cole and Damien Chinappi, who try their best with a linear script that doesn’t take any risks. It almost takes place entirely in the place where it will all end, and this plays to Wallen’s advantage.
The commentaries about mental health, addiction issues, and the poor healthcare system in the country are really “in your face.” Luckily, Wallen doesn’t overdo the drama, and Final Recovery gets away with a genre blend that doesn’t ever feel tiresome. On the contrary, Rodney’s story is interesting, and the sinister scheme by Nanny Lou becomes secondary to the man’s traumatic past. The screenplay doesn’t expand on this, which is a bummer. The character is worth the deep dive.
I’ve been riding the Wallen train for quite some time now, and it feels exciting to see him and his crew acquiring a serious tone. Of course, I miss the campy horror because it’s my thing, but Final Recovery is the proof that there’s something beyond it. It just makes me more excited for what he’s preparing next. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for more horror stuff.
Film critic. Lover of all things horror. Member of the OFCS. RT Approved Critic.
