Feast (2005) – Movie Review
Synopsis
"Feast" is a horror-comedy film released in 2005, directed by John Gulager and produced by the infamous "Project Greenlight" programme, which aimed to showcase new filmmakers. The movie unfolds in a dingy, remote bar located in the middle of nowhere, where a group of unsuspecting patrons are thrown together in a nightmarish struggle for survival when a horde of monstrous creatures descends upon them. The film cleverly plays with the tropes of both horror and comedy, delivering gore and laughs as it keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The story begins with a mysterious man, simply labelled as "The Hero," burst into the bar, bleeding and frantic after an apparent monster attack. He warns the patrons about the terrifying beasts lurking outside but is met with scepticism and disbelief. As the night progresses, the bar becomes a battleground as various characters—each with their distinct personalities, quirks, and backgrounds—fight to survive against these grotesque creatures, which take the form of bloodthirsty, flesh-eating monsters.
As night turns to chaos, it becomes increasingly clear that the horrors of the outside world are far worse than the personal conflicts amongst the bar’s patrons. Throughout the film, elements of dark humour permeate the often bleak and bloody narrative, as characters face both the phantasmagoric threat outside and their own inner demons. The film’s blend of gruesome action, over-the-top characters, and cleverly timed comedic moments ultimately sets "Feast" apart in the realm of horror, creating an engaging and chaotic viewing experience filled with unpredictability.
Cast of Actors and Their Characters
- Balthazar Getty as The Hero
- Diane Farr as The Bartender
- Jenna Dewan as The Girlfriend
- Eric Dane as The Writer
- Clu Gulager as Old Joe
- Krista Allen as The Wife
- Martin Kove as The Vietnam Veteran
- Josh Zuckerman as The Kid
- Jason Mewes as A Small Town Guy
- Rebecca Mader as The Doctor
Review
"Feast" is unabashedly a mashup of horror genres, playing with the conventions of traditional monster movies while simultaneously subverting them with self-aware humour and eccentric characters. The film opens with a gritty realism that quickly escalates into farce as blood flows freely and tension builds to a near-breaking point. It is not just a monster film but one that cleverly critiques the horror genre itself, poking fun at tropes while still embracing them wholeheartedly.
Director John Gulager, alongside writers Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton, exhibits a keen understanding of both horror and comedy, managing to create a film that provides genuine thrills while unabashedly embracing dark humour. The film’s pacing is rapid-fire, with little time wasted on exposition. Characters are introduced swiftly, ensuring that viewers get to know the cast just enough to invest in their fates—if only for the morbid pleasure of seeing how they meet their doom.
The acting performances in "Feast" are notable for their unabashed earnestness, particularly Balthazar Getty as The Hero, who embodies the archetypal lead character of horror films, though he is deconstructed with self-awareness. The characters seemingly exist to fulfil certain clichés—The Bartender, played by Diane Farr, represents the strong-willed woman; The Vietnam Veteran, portrayed by Martin Kove, embodies the weary soldier; and the overconfident and somewhat sleazy writer, represented by Eric Dane, showcases the archetypal character often found in modern horror. Yet, despite the archetypes, each actor manages to inject enough personality into their roles to transcend mere caricature.
The absurdity of "Feast" does not just reside within its characters; the film takes great pleasure in showcasing the grotesque and unrelenting nature of its monsters. The design of the creatures is intricately detailed, with a nightmarish quality that serves to heighten the sense of dread. However, in keeping with the film’s tongue-in-cheek style, the monsters exude an almost cartoonish exaggeration, tearing apart characters in comically outrageous methods. The juxtaposition of horror and humour here is striking; the monstrous threat is unfashionably juxtaposed against absurd comedic timing, reinforcing the film’s commentary on the genre itself.
The film’s cinematography, led by director of photography Zoran Popovic, utilises a gritty aesthetic that enhances the claustrophobic atmosphere. The bar setting feels oppressive, trapping characters in a small space where the terror outside is matched only by the brewing havoc within. The lighting is intentionally dark and foreboding, sometimes obscuring the monsters and their predatory behaviour, creating an unsettling tension. Gulager’s direction embraces the chaos, ensuring that the audience is as bewildered as the characters caught in frenzy.
"Feast" thrives on unpredictability, with each character’s demise delivered with a flair that can only be described as an equal mix of finesse and grotesqueness. The audience is kept guessing as to who will survive—if anyone—and in doing so, the film creates an engaging narrative that often subverts expectations. Characters shift between the roles of hero, villain, and comic relief, ensuring that their arcs remain fluid and unpredictable.
While “Feast” is undoubtedly a love letter to the horror genre, it is not without its downfalls. The predictability of certain narrative threads can be somewhat of a letdown, particularly for seasoned horror fans. There are instances where the film seems to revel so much in its own absurdity that it loses some of its tension, resulting in a slight ebb in engagement. Nonetheless, this often adds to the charm—for every predictable moment, there is a delightfully ridiculous scene that rekindles the viewer’s interest.
Moreover, the film’s tongue-in-cheek approach does occasionally run the risk of distancing viewers emotionally from the characters. While some characters are given a fair amount of depth, many function primarily as fodder for the grotesque creatures, leading to moments where immediate concern for their fates lessens. However, in a film like "Feast," this seems to be part of the design; it plays upon the audience’s horror conventions, ensuring that you remain invested while simultaneously accepting the absurdity of it all.
In conclusion, "Feast" manages to balance horror and comedy with impressive dexterity, providing viewers with not merely a horror film but an exploration of the genre’s conventions. With its visceral effects, eccentric characters, and a keenly self-aware script, it showcases a refreshing take on the survival horror narrative. The film is not without its flaws, but it remains a cult classic within the broader context of horror-comedy.
Score: 7.5/10
“Feast” is cooked to perfection for those who can appreciate a hearty blend of gore and laughter, making it a dish best served with the lights dimmed and a sense of adventure in tow.
