David Cronenberg is finally returning to the big screen with a new movie titled Crimes of the Future. Cronenberg who’s mostly known for body horror movies like The Fly and Videdrome is back to form, with new reports emerging of several attendees walking out of the film’s premiere at Cannes due to excessive gore. 

In case you’re wondering what the movie is about, here’s what the official synopsis of the movie reads – 

“As the human species adapts to a synthetic environment, the body undergoes new transformations and mutations. Accompanied by his partner, celebrity performance artist Saul Tenser showcases the metamorphosis of his organs. Meanwhile, a mysterious group tries to use Saul’s notoriety to shed light on the next phase of human evolution.”

“Meanwhile, the mysterious group mentioned above is being tracked by Timlin (Kristen Stewart)–an investigator from the National Organ Registry. The group wishes to use Saul’s notoriety to shed light on the next phase of human evolution”

There seems to be a lot happening in the movie, even without the gore. According to reports, the majority of walkouts took place within the first five minutes, and during a particularly gory scene with Léa Seydoux. 

The premiere took place on May 23rd, with Cronenberg also in attendance, along with cast members like Viggo Mortensen and Kristen Stewart. However, according to the director, the walkouts were fully expected. 

During an interview before the screening, the Canadian director explained, “There are some very strong scenes. I mean, I’m sure that we will have walkouts within the first five minutes of the movie. I’m sure of that. Some people who have seen the film have said that they think the last 20 minutes will be very hard on people and that there’ll be a lot of walkouts. Some guy said that he almost had a panic attack.”

Crimes of the Future is slated for a June 3rd release in the United States. It is currently in contention for the prestigious Palme d’Or and has also received a six-minute standing ovation during one of the screenings. 

( Image credits: Argonauts Productions S.A, Serendipity Point Films )