Body/Antibody
DVD
Directors: Kerry Douglas Dye, Jordan Hoffman
Starring: Robert Gomes, Leslie Kendall, Frank Deal, Deborah Gibson
LeisureSuit Media
Release Date: July 13, 2010

All over the world, many people suffer from extreme obsessive compulsive disorders which constrict them from taking part in normal day-to-day activities. But what happens when one of them decides to step out of their comfort zone just a little bit and try to be normal?

This is the basic idea behind Body/Antibody, an independent film from Kerry Douglas Dye and Jordan Hoffman. The movie was released back in 2007, but remains relatively unknown and unseen, and this is a shame.

Body/Antibody tells the story of Kip (Robert Gomes), and man being held prisoner in his own apartment by his obsessive compulsive disorder. Kip isn’t a big fan of any type of germs, and he goes to extreme lengths to keep them out. He works out of his home from his computer; he pays people to deliver food he needs or take out his trash; he does his laundry in the bath tub; he washes, scrubs, and sanitizes any and everything as often as he sees necessary, including constantly washing his hands and taking many showers a day.

One day, Kip sees his new neighbor Celine (Leslie Kendall) through his door’s peephole, and this reminds him of how much he misses human connection. One night Celine comes knocking at his door, having misplaced her apartment key and looking for a place to stay until the locksmith shows up. Despite his great reluctance, he wants this to happen and takes a leap of faith inviting her in. Kip does his best to keep her at a distance and keep his place as uncontaminated as possible, but before he knows it, he forms a connection with Celine. Once she figures out his issues and he opens up to her about it, this simple bond tuns into an incredible sexual escapade. Celine also suffers from a haunting ex (Frank Deal) who abused her, so her relationship with Kip becomes an outlet for the two to escape their many pains in life.

All is well in the lives of Kip and Celine for a while, but when Celine’s abusive ex steps back into the picture in aggressive fashion, Kip is put in a helpless position, unable to even step out from his door. This also opens up Kip’s world to twists and turns he never saw coming or had any plans of dealing with, forcing the hermit to jump out his comfort zone numerous times in hopes of getting his reclusive life back.

I was one of the ones who had no idea this movie even existed, and it’s my job here to help you all become familiar with it. Body/Antibody hinges on the performances of its stars, and all lead actors did a phenomenal job. Gomes is great and really sells himself as a true obsessive compulsive, especially when his illness is tested. The actor also nails his character’s more humorous side, and his ability to make fun of himself. Kendall was easily my favorite of the actors; she has this incredible appeal, which makes it easy to understand why Kip falls for her so easily. This is an actress that needs to be in more movies, without doubt. Lastly, Frank Deal is in the movie the least, but his work as the ego-heavy abusive ex is perfect; you’ll have no trouble hating his character and that means a job well-done.

As far as the movie goes, I was thoroughly entertained. From start to finish, the 98-minute run time flies by and I was constantly amused. Whether it’s the introduction to Kip’s unbelievable obsessions, his connection and bond with the impossible not to love Celine, or the chaos that ensues when everything hits the fan, Body/Antibody is a movie that’s hard not to enjoy and well-worth a watch. It’s also a movie that deserves to be much more known than it is; word of mouth is what fuels these indies, so if you see it and enjoy as I did, tell your friends!

Trailer