On DVD and Blu Ray - "We Are What We Are" - This loose remake of the 2010 Mexican Horror film, "Somos lo que hay" is a passable, slow burn, gothic-style tale of a family bound by centuries old customs and with a taste for flesh of the human variety. From Director Jim Mickle (Stake Land - it's a criminally underrated and under-seen vampire film), this lower budgeted but highly atmospheric tale features some darkly beautiful cinematography and a deliberate pace that helps to maintain a constant feeling of dread throughout- it should tide fans of the Horror genre over as a guilty pleasure for a spell.
With the loss of their matriarch during a torrential downpour that also threatens to unearth their grisly secret, the changing roles and responsibilities heaped upon the family's two conflicted teenaged daughters creates a schism between them and their overbearing, maniacally religious Father.
Bill Sage (American Psycho) portrays the brooding head of the household, a violent big bad wolf of sorts who's determined to pass on his fanatical beliefs to his children no matter what the cost.
Ambyr Childers (2 Guns) is the eldest of the family's two teenaged daughters, "Iris", while Julia Garner (The Perks Of Being A Wallflower) plays "Rose", the younger, rebellious sibling. Both young ladies put in solid work in presenting two conflicted souls yearning to break free of their suffocatingly structured lifestyles and it's unsavory ritualistic feedings.
Veteran actor Michael Parks (Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2) is likeable enough as "Doc Barrow", the town's pro-active physician working to uncover the mystery of so many missing persons in the area- one of which happened to be his teenaged daughter years prior. Parks is rather likeable here in a substantial role.
Wyatt Russell (Kurt Russell's son) provides support as a Deputy with romantic feelings towards Iris, with Nick Damici (Stake Land) popping up a couple of brief moments as a hard to locate Sheriff. Kelly McGillis (Top Gun) rounds out the notable cast as the well-meaning neighbor.
As with most horror films, there's a couple of lapses in logic that bothered me-
1. Wouldn't a family abiding by a centuries old ritual requiring occasional "fresh meat" have developed a better way of disposing of the remains other than simply burying them around the property?
2. Although a certain gagged prisoner was bound with chains complete with shackled wrists, they obviously had enough range of motion to reach up and pull the strip of fabric down/out. I don't see how anyone fearing for their life wouldn't want to pull an obstructive gag away if they had the opportunity to do so.
Lastly, a certain mid-film event concerning the fate of a stranded motorist leaves a helluva loose end and several unanswered questions.
The above threatens to shake the film off it's rails but there's just enough positive elements remaining to counter those issues.
Mickle's steady direction supplies a healthy amount of effective tension, while the acting is solid across the board. The majority of this plays out as more of a psychological thriller/mystery with a few notably gruesome excursions- the carnage is bloody without being overly gory. The climax is both shockingly berserk and hilarious- it may not be for all tastes (ahem), but I felt it ultimately worked. With a little fine-tuning this could have been something special- as it is I still think it's worth a look, just don't plan on eating any beef stew during the viewing...
7.0 out of 10
Director: Jim Mickle
Cast: Michael Parks, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, Bill Sage, Wyatt Russell, Nick Damici and Kelly McGillis
Run-Time: 105
MPAA: Rated R for disturbing violence, bloody images, some sexuality, nudity and language
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