Flesheater

Flesheater is an enthralling horror film that's sure to transform a quiet evening at home into a thrilling adventure. Directed by S. William Hinzman, who also stars in the film, Flesheater was released in 1988 when the genre of zombie horror was shaping the landscape of Hollywood horror cinema.

The film opens with a group of adventuresome teenagers who unwittingly unleash an ancient curse during a daylight excursion in the countryside. The group stumbles upon, and inadvertently opens, a concealed tomb that has been hidden away for centuries. The tomb houses the long-imprisoned, infamous flesheater (played by S. William Hinzman), a cannibalistic zombie who now gets a chance to roam free rein upon the earth after countless years of confinement.

Once the flesheater is released, he brings with him a nightmare that swiftly descends upon the unsuspecting rural community. With a grotesque appearance, craving for human flesh, and an insatiable hunger that is as terrifying as it is contagious, the flesheater starts to spread his curse, leaving a trail of undead in his wake. As the curse starts to take over, it is up to the survivors to fight against the odds and strategize a way to defeat the menace that threatens to engulf their world.

S. William Hinzman not only illustrates his filmmaking prowess by directing the film but also gives a compelling performance as the flesheater, inspiring dread and terror each time he appears onscreen. He pays solid tribute to the classic, shambling zombies of early horror cinema, while infusing his character with a particularly menacing presence. Cinematic buffs will recognize Hinzman from his iconic role in George Romero's classic "Night of The Living Dead," where he portrayed the inaugural modern zombie. His commanding presence in Flesheater effectively proves that he is more than capable of holding his own, even amidst the growing popularity of fast-moving, modern zombies in horror films.

John Mowod delivers a commendable performance as one of the film’s primary characters. He adds depth to his character, inviting the audience to root for his survival amidst the horrifying ordeal. Leslie Ann Wick, meanwhile, brings a commendable balance of bravery and vulnerability to her role. These performances, when combined with the embodied danger of the flesheater, result in a captivating film that keeps the audience on edge from start to finish.

Another notable attribute of Flesheater is its exploration of social dynamics and human relationships in times of crisis. The horror of the flesheater's rampage is contrasted with scenes of human courage, friendship, desperation, and the will to survive, punctuating the film with emotional moments that engage the audience on a deeper level beyond the overt visceral horror.

The film’s special effects, though limited by the technology of the time, still manage to induce feelings of fright and unease, especially during the moments of graphic gore and violence. Hinzman uses these effects to their full potential, creating an eerie, menacing world fitting to the horrifying premise of the plot.

Flesheater also embraces a grim yet cathartic climax that leaves the audience contemplating humanity’s potential for resilience against seemingly insurmountable odds. The film will not only tickle horror aficionados' fancies but also resonate with audiences who appreciate a deeper exploration of human nature against a backdrop of terror and dread.

In summary, Flesheater is a must-watch horror movie that does justice to the tradition of zombie cinema while exploring the darker facets of human nature, survival, and tenacity. It's a grim, yet engaging, piece of 1980s horror cinema that deserves to be appreciated for its contribution to the genre. The film beautifully strings together elements of horror, terror, and human resilience in a nail-biting narrative that culminates into a memorable cinematic experience.