Review of Ravenous (1999) by Anthony O — 03 Jul 2012

A horror movie with a social/political commentary? Sure, I'll take that, as it is rare to come across a film in this genre that serves a purpose other than scaring the audience. Our protagonist, played by Guy Pierce, is a coward who, ironically through cowardice, gains prestige in the military.

Utterly disillusioned by the trauma and brutality of war while relishing (undeservedly) in its fame, Pierce's persona is aptly sent to a dysfunctional base deep in the West to reform it. However, the ultimate test towards his true valor is faced with a cannibal military officer who innocently shows up to this outpost of "progress" (nice Joseph Conrad allusion there), naked and in need of help.

Once this general-gone-flesh-hungry reveals his blood-thirsty need for human flesh, a wild goose chase ensues, forcing Guy Pierce to eat the flesh from a human leg to prevent starvation. THIS is where the chaos of Ravenous unfolds.

Terrifying and chillingly appropriate, the cannibal general is appointed by the military to watch over the post after the traumatic, unsolved murder of half of the village. From there, the insatiable need for flesh, and its symbolic power, tests the fundamental humanity of Pierce as he steps up to the plate to the first time to make a stand.

Overall, the blatant symbolism that renders this horror film not quite a horror film sets Ravenous apart from its bloody counterparts. Ravenous ultimately demonstrates the inexorable thirst for power across the backdrop of Western expansion and the Manifest Destiny, making it a bloody good, but intelligent, time.