Fresh Meat

Fresh Meat (2012) is a unique combination of several genres, including action, horror, comedy, and thriller. The movie is a bold, edgy, and bloody spectacle full of dark humor, unrelenting action sequences, and a raw representation of the underbelly of suburban life and criminal underworld. This New Zealand film is directed by talented director Danny Mulheron and written by Briar Grace-Smith who are known for their knack for telling unconventional stories through cinema. The movie is graced by performances from noted Kiwi actors such as Temuera Morrison and Kate Elliott, alongside promising young talent Hanna Tevita.

The film's look can be best described as hyper-stylized, with a gleeful mix of visually captivating and unflinchingly gory scenes. It is a cinematic gumbo with a delightful dash of dark farce, mixed with the crimson gloom of horror, setting the movie apart from the mainstream offerings of the genre. A unique blend of gruesome horror and surprising humor, Fresh Meat dares its viewer to expect the unexpected at every twist and turn.

The movie begins with the introduction of a notorious gang, led by the rugged criminal el supremo, Hemi Crane (Morrison). Encircled by troubles from all sides, Hemi, with his ruthless crew, including the deadly female duo of Gigi (Elliott) and Pauline (Leand Macadaan), escapes from a daring prison break and plans a hideout in suburbia. This sets a stage for a thrilling and twist-filled roller-coaster ride that is full of suspense and chilling action.

The unsuspecting suburban home they break into belongs to the Crane family. However, they soon realize this is no ordinary family. The family's only daughter, Rina Crane (Tevita), has recently returned from her boarding school, and her curiosity unveils the family’s not-so-normal culinary habits. The film further intensifies when these two polar worlds collide, and what was initially a safe haven quickly turns into a blood-soaked nightmare for the intruders.

Fresh Meat explores the theme of constant role reversals – who is the predator and who is the prey – keeping the viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats. From the crime-driven storyline of the prison escapees to the leanings towards the cannibalistic lifestyle, the film fascinatingly intertwines the storylines, making the movie pulse with tension and unexpected surprises. The performances of the main characters, particularly Temuera Morrison and Hanna Tevita, stand out and serve to enhance the convoluted plot, resulting in a horrifyingly comedic roller-coaster ride of a film.

Fresh Meat shuns the typical horror movie clichés. The comedic relief rippling with the constant play of irony and unexpected occurrences ensure that the film doesn't slack even for a moment. The movie cleverly takes common tropes of the genre and turns them on their head - the scary, monstrous cannibals are actually the least dangerous characters around. It’s a witty exploration of perceptions and assumptions, with enough gore to keep fans of the genre fully entertained.

Director Mulheron, with his roots in comedy and television, showcases his comfort with comedy and adds a fresh perspective to the horror genre. His energetic and vibrant style ensures there is never a dull moment in Fresh Meat. Beautifully shot and well-backed by incredible sound effects and music, the film provides a platform for Grace-Smith’s scripts to shine.

In conclusion, Fresh Meat is a bloody good mix of comedy and horror, loaded with unexpected twists and turns, enhanced with top-notch performances from its cast. It is a movie where characters constantly wrestle to determine who will have the upper hand and who will ultimately become the titular 'fresh meat'. With a unique mix of genre elements and a surprising amount of wit and irony, Fresh Meat is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It is a truly diverse cinematic offering that brings something new to the horror-comedy genre, ensuring that the audience is entertained, alarmed, and genuinely shocked. With Mulheron’s excellent direction, Grace-Smith's bold script, and the all-star cast’s incredible performances, Fresh Meat is an absolute must-watch for fans of the genre.