Art, Madness, and Transformation: A ‘Vexanthrone’ Review from Tarnished Vision Films!

The creation of art is a deeply personal and affecting experience. Be it music, film, writing, etcetera, the creative process is something that is deeply felt and affects the creator both on a mental and physical level. The work can become so deep that it almost takes on a spiritual meaning and can leave the creator a changed person. This concept is something that is taken to its limits in Jacob Green’s newest film endeavor, Vexanthrone, a hellish and disturbing portrait of the creative process.

Jacob Green is a name many of those in the underground horror community will recognize, both for his work in front of behind the camera, as well as being half of the film distribution label New Film Order alongside David Stojan. This film presents a new step for Green as well, as this is part of the first wave of films released by his own label Tarnished Vision Films, alongside Juvan Marlon’s Suffer Little Daughter. With the release of Vexanthrone, Green proves that both he and the Tarnished Vision Films label are something film fans will want to keep their eyes on, as the film might just be one of the best independent films to be released in quite some time. 

The film follows a character simply referred to as ‘The Artist’ as he describes the creation of a new sculpture that he is working on. The film is presented both as interviews/monologues from our lead, played by Green himself, as well as snapshots of the creation of the sculpture. The viewer knows that our lead was exiled from the art community due to creating a piece deemed too offensive, and over the course of the film we are allowed to see how this came to happen. What starts out as a somewhat harmless creative process soon delves into a nightmarish sculpture that combines art materials and organic matter provided by the creator. As the film goes on, The Artist slowly begins to change both mentally and physically as more of his time and energy is devoted to his work. This results in some of the most horrific body horror imagery I have seen in quite some time, and as a body horror aficionado this was very much appreciated. However, it is not just the more physical body horror elements that make this film as effective as it is. It is the psychological aspect, as Green begins to look more and more haunted as the film goes on. What starts out as a basic interview soon turns into a reflection on the meaning of art, the creative process, and the question is change always a positive thing. The story is presented in a way that leaves the viewer questioning what they’re seeing, as well as raising questions within us, tasking us with answering the questions presented by The Artist. The film is presented in an almost dreamlike fashion and is something that truly makes this film something that needs to be viewed multiple times to form interpretations of what it all means.

From a technical standpoint Vexanthrone is incredible. For what is assumed to be a fairly low budget, Green is able to accomplish a lot with this. The cinematography is excellent, with the lighting adding an almost ghostly spiritual element. Much of it takes place in dark environments, which helps to highlight Green’s very physical performance. With less to distract the viewer, we are forced to view the controlled chaos of Green. Green’s performance is a definite highlight of the film, as he is unafraid to bare all for the film and does what is necessary to tell the story he wants to. The self-destruction that takes place over the course of the movie is gradual, and Green’s portrayal of The Artist as he is slowly delving deeper into madness parallels this quite well. The special effects presented are also incredible, utilizing practical effects in a way that is minimal enough not to make the film seem silly, but are used enough to make the visceral scenes effective. The soundtrack also adds another layer. Haunting drone accentuates each wound inflicted by The Artist, and reflects the feelings felt within the viewer over the course of the film.

Vexanthrone is a film any self-respecting film fan is going to want to check out. Featuring a stellar performance from Jacob Green, an interesting story, and a concept that forces the viewer to ask themselves questions, this is a film that is worth repeat viewings. With the film Green shows himself to be an extremely talented filmmaker to keep an eye on. He makes me excited to see what the future holds both for him and the Tarnished Vision Films label.

Vexanthrone is available on Blu-ray now from Tarnished Vision Films here.

Directed by: Jacob B. Green
Written by: Jacob B. Green
Produced by: Jacob B. Green
Cinematography by: Jacob B. Green
Editing by: Jacob B. Green
Music by: Jacob B. Green
Special Effects by: Jacob B. Green
Cast: Jacob B. Green
Year: 2024
Country: USA
Language: English
Colour: Colour
Runtime: 1h 5min

Studio: Tarnished Vision Films
Distributor: Tarnished Vision Films