Flesh Eater

Flesh Eater, released in 1988, is often remembered as a part of the cult classics of 80's horror cinema. Directed by and starring S. William Hinzman, the film is an implausible but thoroughly entertaining blend of B-movie aesthetics and zombie horror. The movie also stars John Mowod and Leslie Ann Wick who bring unique performances to the table. Celebrated for its somewhat absurd charm and 80s horror spectacle, Flesh Eater presents an array of horrific scenarios laced with bouts of unexpected humor.

The plot of Flesh Eater unravels with the disturbance of a rural farmland by a group of uncaring contractors. While attempting to uproot a tree, the contractors unknowingly unearth an ancient, evil entity that had been sealed for centuries. This inadvertently triggers a horrifying series of events that sees the countryside's peaceful facade rapidly shifting into a nightmarish landscape.

The grim narrative is swiftly drawn into motion as the resurrected entity turns out to be a flesh-eating creature, introducing a horrifying cycle of undead transformations. Rising from the grave with an insatiable hunger for human flesh, this monstrous zombie embarks upon a bloody rampage across the rural landscape. The film revolves around this harrowing journey of survival and the desperate attempt of a group of unsuspecting victims, who must confront the undead in their only bid to return to the world of the living.

S. William Hinzman, who had previously made waves in the horror genre as the first zombie in George A. Romero's classic Night of the Living Dead, takes centre-stage as the titular Flesh Eater. With his gaunt, shadowed features and hulking presence, Hinzman offers a haunting portrayal of his undead character. His performance sets a chilling tone that pervades the movie, making it a relentless horror experience.

John Mowod delivers a decent performance, providing the narrative with a much-needed human touch against the looming undead terror. Leslie Ann Wick, albeit in a relatively limited role, impresses with her conviction and brings an added layer of tension to the proceedings.

Flesh Eater embraces its B-movie heritage, featuring over-the-top performances, cheesy dialogue, and gratuitous gore effects. One of the most memorable aspects of the film is its practical effects, boasting grotesque make-up artistry and inventive prosthetic work that carrries an undoubted charm for fans of old-school horror. The gruesome depictions of zombies feasting on human flesh, and the subsequent transformation of their victims into likewise creatures, give the film its stomach-churning edge.

The directorial style of Hinzman maintains a steady pace, utilizing atmospheric lighting and long, lingering shots to create an air of constant unease. The haunting musical score further enhances the suspenseful moments, making the film a thrilling watch.

Despite the low-budget constraints, Flesh Eater effectively taps into the horror genre's rudimentary fears, delivering a chilling story of unspeakable evil running rampant in an unsuspecting world. While the plot may seem barebones and straightforward, it decisively plays with horror conventions and zombie movie tropes.

To summarize, Flesh Eater is a gritty, unabashedly low-budget zombie horror movie that revels in its excessive gore and B-movie charm. Despite its share of flaws and inconsistencies, it's the film's authenticity and commitment to its genre that ultimately make it a compelling watch for horror enthusiasts and fans of 80s cinema. This film is an entertaining slice of vintage horror that aptly invokes the 'zombie terror' element and offers a time capsule into the era of low-budget, high-entertainment horror cinema.