New Release - We Are What We Are

We are what we are is the rarest of beasts, a macabre tale that has the power to delight and disturb in equal measures with its unique take on a family under turmoil. Unlike the majority of horror films that focus on the victims and their struggles against evil, this unflinching portrayal of cannibalism follows a family of killers and their struggle to survive in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Mexican suburbs.

After the head of the family meets a gruesome end, it falls upon his eldest son, Alfredo, to take responsibility for the surviving members; his younger siblings and his grieving mother. Each of them have their own agendas and it is not long before these conflicting issues result in horrifying consequences for both the family and the people they prey on for food. The less known about the storyline the better, which is why my description of the plot is suitably vague, as the majority of the films more unsettling moments come as a complete surprise for the unsuspecting viewer.

Apart from Antichrist, this is the only film I have viewed where audience members have left the cinema during the more graphic scenes, and this certainly confirms that We are what we are is a very powerful film, not for the faint hearted but very rewarding for those that persevere. With cinematography on par to that of the hauntingly beautiful shots seen throughout Let the Right One In and a subject matter as realistically brutal as the gruesome deaths of the unsuspecting victims in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, this is a perfect example of an atmospheric horror that chills you to the core by combining a stark yet realistic situation with unflinching scenes of violence.

The majority of modern horror films rely on cheap scares and shock tactics to batter the viewers senses and it is encouraging to see that there are still directors out there who clearly have a great respect for the genre and shift their focus towards creating a brooding atmosphere and a compelling storyline. This brave and accomplished attempt at reinvigorating a stale genre certainly marks Jorge Michel Grau as a promising director for the future and whilst We are what we are may not be the masterpiece that horror fans are hoping for, it certainly comes pretty damn close.

8/10



If you liked this you will enjoy these:

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1973)
Don't Look Now
Let The Right One In
The Devil's Backbone

Upcoming Films

Sanctum


If the film comes anywhere close to matching the intensity of the trailer we are in for one hell of a ride with Sanctum. Based on the true story of extreme sports enthusiasts whose potholing expedition goes awry, Sanctum has James Cameron on board as producer and with the claustrophobic environments involved, this has the potential to look incredible in 3D.

Like Dandelion Dust

Like Dandelion dust is a an emotional drama centered around two families and the conflict that arises when reuniting a child with his parents. On paper it doesn't sound that great but from the trailer and the positive critical response this is definitely one to watch out for come awards season. Ever since his fantastic supporting performance as Jackson in Saving Private Ryan, it was clear that Barry Pepper was destined for stardom, it has been a long journey, with a knock-out performance in The Three Burials starring alongside Tommy Lee Jones, but his time may finally have arrived with his portrayal of a father in turmoil.

The Way Back

After finally getting round to watching Peter Weir's incredibly haunting 'Picnic At Hanging Rock' I stumbled across the trailer for his latest film while reading up about the acclaimed director. Featuring a stellar cast in what appears to be a more traditional adventure story as opposed to the hugely popular comic book movies that dominate the multiplexes, The Way Back could turn out to be a very welcome breath of fresh air upon its release.

London Boulevard


Any gangster film starring Colin Farrell and Ray Winstone is almost guaranteed to be a sure-fire success, with Farrell's brilliant performance in In Bruges fresh in everyone's minds, this has the potential to be an absolute belter! Add Kiera Knightley to the mix and a fresh take on the ex-con routine drawn back in to his old ways, and then convince me that you don't want to see this film. Somehow, I don't think I believe you.