As a film enthusiast who has weathered the storm of Hollywood’s ever-changing landscape since the dawn of the VHS era, I must say that Devon Sawa’s resurgence in horror cinema is a delightful throwback to my youth. Growing up with the young hunk gracing our screens in classics like ‘Final Destination’, ‘Casper’, and ‘Idle Hands’, I never thought I’d see the day when he would return, looking as dashing as ever.
Millennials recall Devon Sawa, known for playing heartthrob characters in hits like “Final Destination,” “Casper,” and “Idle Hands,” gracing their screens during their formative years. Fortunately, this talented actor has maintained both his charm and skills, experiencing a revival recently, making guest appearances on “Hacks” and starring in the acclaimed “Chucky” TV series. Moreover, his latest project, “Consumed,” appears to incorporate elements from these earlier horror roles, demonstrating Sawa’s ongoing prowess in the genre.
In the wilderness, a husband and wife find themselves caught between a deranged killer and a terrifying beast that steals skin, forcing them into a desperate struggle for survival. The movie “Consumed,” written by David Calbert, offers an enjoyable B-movie experience in just 89 minutes, thanks to its emotional depth, a relatable final girl character, and a captivating finale.
Life in Remission
Greetings, cancer, if you’re tuned in, I’ve got a message for you – take a hike! For those who triumph over this formidable foe or manage to send it into retreat, it’s often a cause for rejoicing, one way or another. Chemotherapy is exhausting, and when your strength comes back, the last thing you might feel like doing is partying – even though well-meaning loved ones may encourage it. In the gripping drama Consumed, Beth (played powerfully by Courtney Halverson) finds solace in nature after treatment. She embarks on a camping journey through the woods with her caring partner, Jay (Mark Famiglietti), as a way to reconnect with life.
Consuming the wilderness, a chilling ordeal unfolds for Beth and Jay as their camp is enveloped in a puzzle reminiscent of “Blair Witch.” Ominous signs manifest through gruesome discoveries of skinned animals near their site, which were not present upon arrival. Moreover, Beth is beset by disturbing nightmares that resurrect memories of her rigorous cancer treatment. She sought solace in the forest, hoping to leave her past behind and start anew, only to find herself ensnared in a haunted woodland inhabited by an elusive, ominous creature that largely remains hidden — mostly throughout the movie.
Devon Sawa: Born to Be Wild
In a nod to timeless horror classics, The Butcher Brothers skillfully build suspense by employing eerie ambiance and sudden jump scares to delay the monster’s appearance, yet some aspects feel overly familiar. However, their technique is potent enough to produce genuine fear and an unsettling feeling throughout the film. What sets Consumed apart is the introduction of a secondary menace – a dangerous enigma lurking in the wilderness.
The unnamed man is played to perfection by none other than Devon Sawa, whose decades-spanning career is now coming full circle with this latest role of his. In Wild America (1997), he embraced the mountains alongside Jonathan Taylor-Thomas as a young adult. Now he’s all grown up, playing s lead role in the same sort of setting, with those piercing green eyes reminding us of why young women once obsessed over the dashing young performer. Even if he’s dressed in a grimy, camouflaged ensemble in Consumed, you quickly remember why he became such a star at a ripe age.
Although we might never know his true identity, Beth eventually manages to extract vital information from this enigmatic figure who shrouds himself in nature as a means of concealment – or perhaps, pursuit of some elusive creature? He tells Beth that it is drawn to sick individuals, such as herself, having survived cancer. Over time, they develop a bond due to their shared tragic pasts, but the label “madman” is not bestowed upon him lightly. As their strategies for dealing with the monster diverge, the tension between them intensifies, raising the overall risk to unprecedented levels.
A Psychedelic & Overwhelming Finale
In an unexpected twist, the Butcher Brothers incorporate mind-bending, visually stunning elements that leave Beth’s reality spinning as she struggles to stay alive. Scenes from Jonathan Glazer’s acclaimed film Under the Skin might be evoked during this period. The movie Consumed becomes introspective, thought-provoking, and potentially emotionally intense as the monster’s actions intensify in the climactic finale. Some viewers may be put off by its sudden shift into the strange, but it’s a bold move to set this low-budget horror movie apart from others. If word-of-mouth spreads, there might be talk of a Consumed 2.
The film “Consumed” delves into a common horror theme: grief and trauma, particularly centered around sickness and death. A terrifying monster that feeds off these conditions forms an intriguing analogy. The characters’ diverse reactions to this entity are skillfully portrayed by Halverson, who roots the narrative in the authentic experiences of cancer patients and their fear of relapse. Set for release in theaters and on demand on August 16, 2024, “Consumed” is distributed by Brainstorm Media.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-08-17 00:01