Ravenous

During the 19th Century Mexican-American war, John Boyd (Pearce) receives a promotion when an act of cowardice in battle leads to defeat over the enemy. When the truth about his mistaken bravery is discovered the newly-promoted Captain Boyd is assigned to command a motley crew of drunks and nuts stationed at Fort Spencer, a remote outpost deep in the Colorado mountains.

What passes for tranquillity in this madhouse is shattered by the sudden appearance of a Scottish stranger named Colquhoun (Carlyle), who claims to one of three members of an ill-fated expedition that resorted to murder and cannibalism to survive. Assuming it is their duty, the soldiers head off into the mountains to search for the other two survivors. Meanwhile, George, an Indian who helps run the outpost, warns that Colquhoun may not be what he seems, and fears he may be a Wendigo, a ravenous cannibalistic creature in mythology who eats men’s flesh to gain their strength, and possibly their souls.

From this point on, the tension barely lets up until the final credits as Bird (a vegetarian) ladles out portion after generous portion of action, scares and suspense. If you’re looking for plot twists, devilish mythology and plenty of gore, Ravenous will not fail to impress. With stunning cinematography, an intelligent script and bucket loads of the red stuff, Ravenous is an effective mix of blood-drenched horror and black-as-night comedy that should not be missed.

Simon C. Williams