In the fast-paced world of modern body horror, “Else” stands out as a stunning first book that breaks the rules of the genre. In this fascinating film, directed by Thibault Emin, a small apartment is turned into a place where love, terror, and change all come together in a way that is hard to believe.

This French movie Fever Dream goes beyond typical horror tropes to deeply reflect on how people bond and define themselves. At its core, “Else” looks at what happens when close ties aren’t just emotional but could also be physical. The movie is about Anx and Cass, two different people thrown together during a strange virus outbreak that turns people and things into grotesque, collective beings.

Emin’s idea goes beyond the usual way of telling viral stories. In this case, the virus is both a metaphor for and a real cause of change that...