Mitchell Altieri’s horror movie Consumed explores obsession and trauma, and the way these components can devour our lives. Written by David Calbert, the movie explores how folks battle to maneuver on from their previous or face inevitable fears, all set in opposition to the backdrop of a traditional monster film within the woods.
The title Consumed has each literal and figurative meanings, however the query stays: is this idea adequate for a simple thriller a couple of couple, a fierce hunter and a supernatural risk?
The story follows Jay (Mark Famiglietti) and Beth (Courtney Halverson) as they have a good time Beth’s first yr cancer-free with a climbing and tenting journey. Though Beth continues to be recovering from her therapies, she insists on persevering with their out of doors journey.
By day she places on a courageous face, however by night time she is affected by nightmares about her operation. Their peaceable journey turns right into a nightmare once they uncover their tent has been destroyed and their belongings lined in a wierd, slimy substance. As they flee, Jay steps right into a bear entice, which leads them to a reclusive trapper named Quinn, performed by Devon Sawa.
The movie is about how every character is trapped by their fears and previous experiences. Beth is terrified that her most cancers will return, Jay is caught attempting to rekindle their as soon as blissful relationship, and Quinn is pushed by revenge in opposition to a supernatural being who killed his daughter.
Calbert’s script is easy and lacks subtlety, which turns into clear when Quinn tells Beth that their mysterious pursuer is focusing on the weak or near-death. Whereas difficult plots aren’t obligatory, the movie’s incapability to keep up suspense weakens the story. Even the reveal of the Wendigo, the movie’s fundamental antagonist, feels underwhelming.
The performances in Consumed are typically strong, with Quinn’s character including depth. Famiglietti and Halverson play a pair going through adversity, with Jay’s well-meaning makes an attempt to cheer Beth up typically falling brief. Devon Sawa’s portrayal of Quinn, a rugged recluse, brings some intrigue, however the movie’s suspense and surprises are predictable.
The Wendigo itself, depicted as a fuel cloud with glowing streaks, is a disappointment. The reveal is poorly executed and the creature’s design lacks influence. Whereas there are some efficient particular results, such because the Wendigo’s fingers clawing at Beth’s damage, they’re not sufficient to redeem the movie’s total execution.
Consumed is a horror movie that struggles to make a long-lasting impression. It makes an attempt to mix private drama with supernatural components, however finally feels generic. The movie doesn’t totally exploit the Wendigo idea, and whereas it tries to deal with themes of existential dread and private ache, it falls brief in delivering a memorable or thrilling expertise.
Consumed makes an attempt to weave private drama with supernatural horror, however finally falls wanting its potential. Whereas the movie finds compelling themes of trauma and worry, the execution lacks the depth and innovation wanted to actually have interaction audiences.
The predictable plot and disappointing monster design detract from what might have been a compelling story, whereas the movie’s pacing and reliance on acquainted horror tropes stop it from making a long-lasting impression.
Whereas the performances are honest and a few of the horror components are efficient, Consumed fails to completely capitalize on its intriguing premise. The result’s a movie that, regardless of its finest efforts, is a shadow of what it might have been: a missed alternative to combine existential dread with genuinely terrifying components.
Regardless of its shortcomings, Consumed affords moments of pressure and some disturbing scenes that present potential, highlighting the interior struggles of its characters in opposition to a backdrop of supernatural horror.
Followers of psychological thrillers might recognize the movie’s exploration of worry and trauma, however they might additionally anticipate extra from the movie’s denouement and horror components.
Consumed reminds us that even with a powerful premise, an efficient horror story requires greater than only a ghostly presence. It should ship suspense and innovation to actually impress and unsettle the viewers.
