Consumed - movie review

Consumed (Brainstorm Media)

Revisiting some reviews we missed last week, one worth noting is the Wendigo thriller "Consumed" by The Butcher Brothers (director/producer Mitchell Altieri and producer Phil Flores). The film plays on the anxieties of a young woman in remission from cancer who encounters a madman, played by Devon Sawa, battling an unknown supernatural presence in the woods. "Consumed" delivers what you'd expect from The Butcher Brothers: guns, gore, and precise special effects. It also explores themes of dealing with cancer and the fear of losing a loved one.

Monster films often tell stories beyond the creatures themselves. Wendigo films are particularly unique, as the creature originates from a human who has transformed into a monster due to a tragic event. Despite their potential, there haven't been many films about the Wendigo, leaving room for more narratives in this genre. In "Consumed," the focus is on its central character, Beth, played by Courtney Halverson. While she doesn't carry the film entirely alone, thanks to Sawa's intense portrayal of Quinn, her role is pivotal. The narrative revolves around her facing multiple "monsters," a powerful metaphor for those who have undergone cancer treatments or have seen a loved one suffer. This theme of battling inner demons is a recurring motif, creating an overarching sense of dread from the beginning. The question looms: will anyone make it out alive?

"Consumed" is a survival thriller, but not in the traditional sense. It's a deep and emotional exploration of loss and what one is willing to sacrifice. Although the film's pacing is slow—one of many slow burners in recent years—Halverson delivers a compelling performance, and Sawa is captivatingly unhinged from start to finish. If you're intrigued by the mysteries of the Wendigo, "Consumed" is worth watching. It's another unique addition from The Butcher Brothers, leaving their mark on a new genre.

Rating: 2.5/5

Consumed

Directed by: Mitchell Altieri

Produced by: Jeffrey Allard; Mitchell Altieri; Phil Flores; Joel Pincosy

Written by: David Calbert

Starring: Courtney Halverson, Mark Famiglietti, Devon Sawa