I just got finished watching this film. Been a couple of years since I last saw it.
I have to say that the effects are still top notch. Anamatronics I think is still a very effective tool and I wish more films would make use of it these days, infinitely better than CGI. Just having an actual thing there, existing, instead of creating it after the fact is always better, I feel.
Regardless, the most shocking thing about this film isn't the gruesome scenes, or the gore, or the make up effects, it's how absolutely heartbreaking and tragic it ends up being. It's a very underrated aspect of this movie. This is a very sad story being told very effectively.
Goldbloom's acting is also outstanding, as is Davis'. It's amazing how he juggles charisma and desperation like he does in this movie.
A masterpiece.