Masters Of Horror: Right To Die

What the horror genre does better than almost any other is provide a commentary for the issues of the day. Topics that ordinarily can't be touched by a drama, can be confronted through the veil of horror. It's one of the reasons that horror is one of the most misunderstood genres, most people dismiss any horror movie as 'just another horror flick' when many of these movies are actually a great commentary on today's life! One of the best of this type of horror movie is the current release from the 'Masters Of Horror', Right To Die.



The story here is terrific: Cliff and Abbey are a seemingly normal couple, with the exception that Cliff is cheating on Abbey. When she finds out, Abbey is understandably upset, and, since Cliff doesn't want to lose the money that comes with being married to a rich woman, he's determined to win her back. On a trip to reconcile, the two have a car accident, and Cliff is presented with a golden opportunity, as gas gushes from the car, Abbey is surrounded by flames, Cliff has to decide whether to call for help, or just wait a few minutes for Abbey to be dead and then call, when he can call as a rich widower! Being that this is a Masters Of Horror episode, you know that Cliff will wait that little bit of time, right??

Well, when help does arrive, Abbey isn't quite dead, only burned beyond recognition. She's rushed to the hospital, where it's determined that she's touch and go at best and may not survive, Cliff is elated, not only will his wife die and he'll inherit all her money, but she'll do it in a hospital where he won't be implicated at all! But, when Abbey does die, strange things start happening, Cliff sees her around the house and feels like she's there to hurt him, then she disappears. Is Cliff losing his mind with guilt? How could Abbey's spirit be haunting him when she's alive (barely) in the hospital?

Rob Schmidt and Joe Esposito have crafted a movie that not only addresses the 'right to die' issue, but they make it a great horror movie too! Part ghost story, part political commentary, Masters Of Horror: Right To Die is one of the best of Season Two. While the social commentary is barely concealed from viewers, it doesn't take away from the great story and, if you're not too narrow-minded, it may make you think a little bit. I'm giving Masters Of Horror: Right To Die four out of four cigars,

because it's just one of those movies that you'll want to watch more than once, and you'll see things on subsequent viewings that you didn't see the first time. And, the addition of Corbin Bernson as a greasy attorney is just brilliant! Any of the Masters Of Horror series are good, but some are a cut above the rest, and this is one of the tops. So, until next time, when I'll tell you about my death wish...not for myself, but for several other people...remember that the best movies are bad movies!