Omnivores

Starting from since the glorious era of Italian cannibal/jungle exploitation movies ended, around the mid-80's approximately, how many truly good horror movies dealing with cannibalism have you seen? One or two, maybe, with "Ravenous and the flamboyant German sick-flick "Cannibal"? Personally I presumed that the cannibal sub genre – just as with authentic zombie movies – got ruined because of stupid and infuriating comedies like the god-awful "Fresh Meat", but apparently there is still hope. The last thing I expected to find in "Omnívores" was nail-biting suspense and genuine disturbance, but that was in fact exactly what I got! Albeit rather predictable and traditionally narrated, "Omnívores" brings forward a solid tale with intrigues, character development and a fantastic old-fashioned petrifying madman! The culinary journalist Marcos Vela is assigned to investigate the new and immensely popular trend of clandestine restaurants; private gatherings between eminent people that pay large sums of money for unique food experiences. After a few introduction meals, Marcos rapidly learns that the notorious urban legends of human flesh tastings are real and, thanks to his natural charms, he even obtains an invitation to a cannibal steak party. As said, the intensity and depravity levels of "Omnívores" are quite impressive. Not once does writer/director Oscar Rojo interrupt the serious tone and beautifully persists to uphold the mystery during the grand finale for a long time even though everybody already guessed the outcome. That's admirable, and Mr. Rojo also came across as a truly devoted and passionate film maker when I saw him at the Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Films. The extended mutilations sequences (the preparation of the human dishes) are extremely vile and sickening, especially since they are performed by the utmost evil "cook" imaginable. The Spanish actor Paco Manzanedo depicts one of the most menacing – and silent - killers I've seen in a long period. Last but not least, the film also stars a few genuine Spanish beauties in the supportive cast, namely Marta Flich and Sara Gómes, that aren't too prudish to showcase their lovely bodies. "Omnívores" is authentic Spanish horror at its most intense and surprising; recommended!