Feast of Flesh, formerly known as Abattoir, is definitely one-of-a-kind. Though I always prefer Happy Cloud Pictures' horror-comedies, such as Severe Injuries, this more dramatic take on the vampire lore is fresh and features numerous solid performances from both newcomers and established actors. Mike Watt's dialog is sharp, and his stories always take the audiences in surprising directions that help to reinforce my belief that only independent filmmakers are making any worthwhile movies these days. There are also some very nice sets utilized throughout the film, including the beautiful home that is the central location of the film's action. Check out this film if you like vampire films and are looking for a fresh take on an old subject.
5 Reviews
"I know a safe place you can go. Do you want me to take you there?"
Streebo23 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I was fortunate enough to pick up an early work print version of Abattoir from Mike Watt and Amy Lynn Best at the Horrorfind last year. Since the version I saw was only a work-print I can't review the film in it's entirety as the work-print version lacks the musical score and sound effects. However - what was evident in the work-print was a love for the horror genre and an attention to craftsmanship that shines through the rough edges of a work in progress.
Abattoir tells the story of a group of friends that travel to the Bathory House for one night of "hot hooker sex". The friends find themselves sucked into a bloody mission to rescue one man's missing girlfriend from the vampire filled brothel. What they don't know is that they've started a chain of events that threatens to unravel a tenuous truce that exists between the Bathory House and the local group of mercenaries lead by the man called Sheridan.
Abattoir features strong performances from the entire cast lead by Steve Foland as the loquacious well-meaning friend - John. My personal favorite character was Sheridan the leader of the mercenary vampire hunters (played by Mike Watt). He appears on the screen with such presence that he immediately commands attention to himself. Although the two characters are worlds apart - Sheridan reminded me somewhat of James Woods' cool performance as Jack Crow in John Carpenter's The Vampires. I initially found myself wanting to see the entire film built around the Sheridan character.
Abattoir features sultry performances from Amy Lynn Best, Sofiya Smirnova, Gwendolyn, and Zoe Hunter. Horror stalwarts April Monique Burril and Jimmyo Burril of Chainsaw Sally fame make cameos as does the always hypnotic Debbie Rochon.
There are a few neat twists on the vampire mythos such as characters using symbols of their faith to ward off vampires which results in one character burning the face of a vampiress with a hundred dollar bill! We also see an interesting method of restoring humanity through the use of holy water injected into the veins of newly turned vampires. There also seems to be a subtext of the requirements of faith in a cold unforgiving world but perhaps I'm reading too much into this.
My only complaint about Abattoir is that I wasn't always sure who the story was about. We follow John and his friends for a bit but then the film jumps over to Sheridan's mercenaries and a good deal of time is also spent with the ladies of the Bathory house. In hindsight - I imagine the film is intended as an ensemble piece about "The Abattoir" of Bathory House itself and not so much about any given character in the film. The film tells us about the world and history of the Bathory House instead of simply settling in for a story of "us vs the vampires". There is a definite attempt to make the vampires sympathetic and the mercenaries are made to seem monstrous with their actions and intentions. It becomes difficult to sympathize completely with either group. Horror audiences have been trained to identify with one character and follow them through a film so at times I found myself lost without an anchor in the story however I think this is exactly what writer/director Mike Watt intended. I'm anxious to see the final cut and see how it stands up to repeated viewings.
I've read that Mike and Amy described Abattoir as their "blood 'n boobs" sell-out movie and that seems like a fair characterization. Abattoir is not just a simple blood and boobs extravaganza as it features tight direction from Watt, excellent characterizations from the entire cast as well as the required blood, boobs, and action sequences. Once Abattoir is locked in with it's final cut, music, and sound effects I can't imagine why it wouldn't be picked up for distribution. If you're sick of the vapid music video worlds of Underworld and the countless style-over-substance lesbian vampire flicks that crowd the shelves then pick up Abattoir for something with substance to it's style yet still packing plenty of bite.
Abattoir tells the story of a group of friends that travel to the Bathory House for one night of "hot hooker sex". The friends find themselves sucked into a bloody mission to rescue one man's missing girlfriend from the vampire filled brothel. What they don't know is that they've started a chain of events that threatens to unravel a tenuous truce that exists between the Bathory House and the local group of mercenaries lead by the man called Sheridan.
Abattoir features strong performances from the entire cast lead by Steve Foland as the loquacious well-meaning friend - John. My personal favorite character was Sheridan the leader of the mercenary vampire hunters (played by Mike Watt). He appears on the screen with such presence that he immediately commands attention to himself. Although the two characters are worlds apart - Sheridan reminded me somewhat of James Woods' cool performance as Jack Crow in John Carpenter's The Vampires. I initially found myself wanting to see the entire film built around the Sheridan character.
Abattoir features sultry performances from Amy Lynn Best, Sofiya Smirnova, Gwendolyn, and Zoe Hunter. Horror stalwarts April Monique Burril and Jimmyo Burril of Chainsaw Sally fame make cameos as does the always hypnotic Debbie Rochon.
There are a few neat twists on the vampire mythos such as characters using symbols of their faith to ward off vampires which results in one character burning the face of a vampiress with a hundred dollar bill! We also see an interesting method of restoring humanity through the use of holy water injected into the veins of newly turned vampires. There also seems to be a subtext of the requirements of faith in a cold unforgiving world but perhaps I'm reading too much into this.
My only complaint about Abattoir is that I wasn't always sure who the story was about. We follow John and his friends for a bit but then the film jumps over to Sheridan's mercenaries and a good deal of time is also spent with the ladies of the Bathory house. In hindsight - I imagine the film is intended as an ensemble piece about "The Abattoir" of Bathory House itself and not so much about any given character in the film. The film tells us about the world and history of the Bathory House instead of simply settling in for a story of "us vs the vampires". There is a definite attempt to make the vampires sympathetic and the mercenaries are made to seem monstrous with their actions and intentions. It becomes difficult to sympathize completely with either group. Horror audiences have been trained to identify with one character and follow them through a film so at times I found myself lost without an anchor in the story however I think this is exactly what writer/director Mike Watt intended. I'm anxious to see the final cut and see how it stands up to repeated viewings.
I've read that Mike and Amy described Abattoir as their "blood 'n boobs" sell-out movie and that seems like a fair characterization. Abattoir is not just a simple blood and boobs extravaganza as it features tight direction from Watt, excellent characterizations from the entire cast as well as the required blood, boobs, and action sequences. Once Abattoir is locked in with it's final cut, music, and sound effects I can't imagine why it wouldn't be picked up for distribution. If you're sick of the vapid music video worlds of Underworld and the countless style-over-substance lesbian vampire flicks that crowd the shelves then pick up Abattoir for something with substance to it's style yet still packing plenty of bite.
original indie vampire flick
doghead7610 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Personally I have grown tired of vampire films -it's always the same old thing, so I was pleasantly surprised when I watched "feast of flesh" (aka abattoir) As mentioned in previous reviews, it's basically a broken truce between Vampire hunters and a vampire brothel. The acting is above average for a independent film, and so is the storyline. -there is a connection between story and actions -you'd think that'd be a must for any film, yet, if you watch most independent films these days, such a simple thing, as a solid storyline can be hard to find! I'd like to mention though, that despite it being a low budget film, it's quite ambitious and has a lot of originality, that will keep you interested throughout the film. I personally enjoyed this film, and would recommend this over Underworld _anytime_!
Another Great Film from Happy Cloud
tcoll3219 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Once again I have had the pleasure of watching another excellent film from the crew at Happy Cloud Pictures. Happy Cloud makes different horror films. They make films that make you think as well as make you laugh. This was the first attempt at a mainstream horror movie (their quote not mine) and they have hit a home run. The movie seems to have a simple plot in which a brothel is run by vampires and they can feed and turn whomever they want as long they don't harm the local inhabitants. This is enforced by what I can describe as an offshoot of the IRA (Irish Republican Army. Because of a mistake by the vampires this tenuous truce has been broken. Now normally you would think the vampires bad and the IRA good but it is far more complex. Instead both sides are bad and both sides are good at the same time. This the 3rd film I have bought from Happy Cloud and so far they haven't failed to impress me at ever turn. The other 2 films I have watched were The Resurrection Game and Severe Injuries. I know that their style isn't everyone's cup of tea but I have found the complicated mixture of humor and horror works very well. It's nice to see a "serious" horror film still add in the occasional light moment to make the story move along. I highly recommend you getting this title from Camp Pictures or from the folks at Happy Cloud.
Brothels and Vampires. A Bloody Good Time
ZombiGamer13 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
A Feast Of Flesh is nothing but a well written,well acted fun film. Amy Lynn Best and Mike Watt play off of each other perfectly Amy is the leader of a female Brothel of Vampires and Mike is plays an Irish vampire hunter. First off don't let anyone ever say indie films are bad, i would put Feast of Flesh up to any of the genre films the studios are putting out today and i think it would beat everyone of them.
Look for some fine acting by Stacey Bartlebaugh-Gmys ,Aaron Bernard,Sofiya Smirnova,Bill Homan,Zoe Hunter and Jeff Waltrowski. Also you get a good amount of gore a first for Happy Cloud Productions. All in all i had fun with Feast Of Flesh and i highly recommend it to anyone looking to check out a solid film Also check out their other films Severe Injuries and The Resurrection Game
Look for some fine acting by Stacey Bartlebaugh-Gmys ,Aaron Bernard,Sofiya Smirnova,Bill Homan,Zoe Hunter and Jeff Waltrowski. Also you get a good amount of gore a first for Happy Cloud Productions. All in all i had fun with Feast Of Flesh and i highly recommend it to anyone looking to check out a solid film Also check out their other films Severe Injuries and The Resurrection Game
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