We Are What We Are (2013)

The Parkers, a reclusive family who follow ancient customs, find their secret existence threatened as a torrential downpour moves into their area, forcing daughters Iris and Rose to assume responsibilities beyond those of a typical family.

Director:

Jim Mickle

Writers:

Nick Damici, Jim Mickle

Stars:

Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner

5 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kassie Wesley DePaiva	...	Emma Parker (as Kassie DePaiva)
Laurent Rejto	...	Hardware Clerk
Julia Garner	...	Rose Parker
Ambyr Childers	...	Iris Parker
Jack Gore	...	Rory Parker
Bill Sage	...	Frank Parker
Kelly McGillis	...	Marge
Wyatt Russell	...	Deputy Anders
Michael Parks	...	Doc Barrow
Annemarie Lawless	...	Arlene Stratton
Traci Hovel	...	Mrs. Kimble
Nat DeWolf	...	Mr. Kimble
Nick Damici	...	Sheriff Meeks
Vonia Arslanian	...	Emily Meeks
Larry Fessenden	...	Bearded Tenant

Storyline

A seemingly wholesome and benevolent family, the Parkers have always kept to themselves, and for good reason. Behind closed doors, patriarch Frank rules his family with a rigorous fervor, determined to keep his ancestral customs intact at any cost. As a torrential rainstorm moves into the area, tragedy strikes and his daughters Iris and Rose are forced to assume responsibilities that extend beyond those of a typical family. As the unrelenting downpour continues to flood their small town, the local authorities begin to uncover clues that bring them closer to the secret that the Parkers have held closely for so many years.

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Plot Keywords:

cannibalism | death | full frontal female nudity | creek | bone | 

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Taglines:

Blood is the strongest bond.

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Genres:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for disturbing violence, bloody images, some sexuality, nudity and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA France

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 October 2013 (UK)

Also Known As:

Iskonski nagon

Filming Locations:

Margaretville, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$13,727, 29 September 2013, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$76,633, 27 October 2013

Company Credits

Production Co:

Belladonna Productions, Memento Films International, Paradise City

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on the screenplay "Somos Lo Que Hay" by Jorge Michel Grau.

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Goofs

The dungeon door's window bars were removed each time the camera looked through it. Four wide vertical bars were visible in approach and open door shots.

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Quotes

Marge: I heard somebody down in the shed earlier.
Iris Parker: It must've been daddy. He's the only one allowed down there. Ever.
Marge: Well, it sounded like a girl crying.
Iris Parker: I don't know what you think you heard, but you must be mistaken.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Cannes Film Festival 2013 (2013)

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Soundtracks

Cambridge Town
Written and Performed by Nick Garrie
Courtesy of Nick Garrie

User Reviews

They Are Who They Are

The Parkers, a reclusive family who follow ancient customs, find their secret existence threatened as a torrential downpour moves into their area, forcing daughters Iris and Rose to assume responsibilities beyond those of a typical family.

Director Jim Mickle is known for his films "Stake Land" (2010) and "Mulberry St" (2006), and has really made a name for himself as a rising star in the world of horror. This is probably his best picture yet, and hopefully gets him the praise he deserves and his name to be more widely known.

Mickle did not originally want to direct a remake of the original film, as he dislikes American remakes of foreign horror films. After speaking with Jorge Michel Grau, Mickle and Demici realized they could put their own spin on it. Michael Haneke, Japanese horror, and cult film "Martha Marcy May Marlene" served as inspirations.

I think this film speaks for itself. The pacing, tone, atmosphere... it is very accomplished. Now, granted, I am not familiar with the Mexican version, so I can hardly compare them. But this impressed me.