Blood Feast

Blood Feast is a 2016 horror movie that serves as a remake of Herschell Gordon Lewis' 1963 film of the same name. Despite being a remake, this movie simultaneously stakes its claim as a unique film, with its riveting experimental narrative and thrilling horror sequences. Directed by Marcel Walz, the movie features an ensemble cast that includes Robert Rusler, Caroline Williams, and Sophie Monk.

Blood Feast revolves around a character named Fuad Ramses, played convincingly by Robert Rusler. Ramses is an American entrepreneur with memorable eccentricities, who operates his late father's store in Paris, France. Although it seems to be an ordinary shop, Ramses finds himself deeply immersed in an ancient Egyptian cult. The allure of the cult's powerful deities ignites a strange obsession within Ramses, sparking a plot that descends quickly into blood-curdling horror.

This horror narrative takes a significant turn when Ramses decides to bring back to life the fearsome goddess Ishtar. He believes that by doing so, he can gain immortality, an alluring prospect that drives his bloody and horrific acts. The movie delves into how Ramses' obsession leads him to start a series of gruesome sacrifices, as he attempts to revive the terrifying deity.

Complementing Rusler's chilling portrayal of Ramses is the character Louise played by Caroline Williams. She brings a soothing presence to the film with her portrayal of a strong, determined policewoman. Louise is the mother of Penny, played by Sophie Monk, who falls under Ramses' sinister obsession. As Louise learns about her daughter's peril, she embarks on a desperate mission to save her, setting up a tense face-off against the unhinged Ramses. The dynamics between the characters offer a thrilling ride that leads to a bout of gripping confrontations.

Walz's direction and the splendid cinematographic effects create an atmosphere of intense foreboding throughout the film. Screams of terror, appalling sights, and startling sounds frequently punctuate the silence, adding to the ominous ambiance. Visually, Blood Feast is rich in detail, with explicitly graphic scenes of Ramses' cruel activities, the horrifying depiction of the ancient Egyptian deity, and the chilling glimpses of a classic Parisian landscape. The aesthetics evoke a subtle sense of discomfort and terror, pivotal in delivering the desired horror.

One of the notable elements of Blood Feast is the unnerving soundtrack that sets the mood for the film. The score, composed by Klaus Pfreundner, fills viewers with a sense of dread and anticipation with its eerie tunes playing at specific moments, amplifying the film's haunting horror.

The dialogues in the film also play a vital role in building up the chilling narrative. The conversations often entail hints of the darker plot at play, thereby escalating the viewer's curiosity. Whether it is Ramses talking about strange rituals and goddesses, or Louise frantically trying to protect her daughter, the script successfully keeps viewers engaged while gradually unraveling the story.

Throughout the film, the performances by Rusler, Williams, and Monk stand out exceptionally. These actors do a fantastic job of portraying their characters' fear, desperation, and unhinged obsession, respectively. As for the supporting cast, Sadie Katz and Roland Freitag, among others, contribute significantly to the strength of the film's narrative.

Blood Feast is not for the faint-hearted. With its gruesome depiction of violence and frightening plot, it holds true to the horror genre. People with a taste for gore and a passion for suspenseful narratives would find this film an engaging watch.

So if you find yourself intrigued by complex tales of ancient cults, unwavering quests for immortality, disturbing blood feasts, and Egyptian deities, Blood Feast offers an unsettling but compelling narrative. It's a journey into the depths of the human obsession with immortality and power, wrapped in a horror package that's quite hard to forget. It's a thrilling homage to its predecessor while presenting a fresh horror reading for the contemporary audiences. With its suspenseful narrative, strong performances, and eerie atmosphere, there's little doubt that Blood Feast would leave a lasting impression on horror enthusiasts.