Brain Damage

Brian is depicted as a young man wrestling with his reality as he falls into the thrall of the parasite, Elmer. Initially, he seems like a regular individual but quickly spirals into violence and madness as his addiction deepens. His character serves as a tragic representation of the struggle against addiction and the loss of agency.

Elmer is a one-foot long parasite that presents a facade of friendship and enlightenment while in fact drives Brian into a lethal addiction. With its charming yet sinister personality, it manipulates Brian into fulfilling its gruesome needs for human brains. Elmer embodies the theme of addiction as a predatory force, revealing how dependency can distort one’s reality.

Morris is a character fueled by a longing to keep Elmer in a weakened state, exposing the darker side of human emotion. As a scientist, his obsession with the parasite ultimately leads to tragedy, blurring the line between caretaker and abuser. His actions create a crucial turning point in Brian's descent into chaos.

Martha, Morris's wife, initially displays excitement towards Elmer, showcasing a naive acceptance of the creature. Her demise highlights the ripple effect of addiction and its collateral damage on loved ones. She becomes another victim of Elmer’s sinister influence, embodying the destructive nature of the parasite.

Barbara is Brian's girlfriend who is caught in the turmoil of his addiction. Her concern for Brian’s well-being illustrates the helplessness of loved ones when faced with addiction. Despite her efforts to connect with Brian, she tragically becomes a victim of Elmer.