We Are What We Are [Blu-Ray]

Director: Jim Mickle

Cast: Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, Michael Parks, Kelly McGillis

Release Date: Now Available on Blu-Ray & DVD

A Review By: Kevin Lovell

Film Rating: 9/10

Disc Rating: 9/10

Plot Summary:

The Parkers, a reclusive family who follow ancient customs, find their secret existence threatened as a torrential downpour moves into their area, forcing daughters Iris and Rose to assume responsibilities beyond those of a typical family.

‘We Are What We Are’ tells the story of the Parkers, a family with unique traditions that to most would offend, but are simply a way of life to them. After the tragic loss of their mother, they are forced to continue with their traditions and for the first time the eldest daughter must take over the role previously performed by their mother. While at the same time a younger generation must adapt to their new roles in old traditions, the townsfolk whom they have so peacefully co-existed are beginning to discover that not all is what it seems in their quiet community.

The film is directed by Jim Mickle, who previously directed ‘Mulberry Street’ and ‘Stake Land’ which are both films that I am a huge fan of, and ‘We Are What We Are’ is just another entry in his impressive directing credentials. While it may not have been my favorite film of Mickle’s to date, it is without question the best, and it is quite clear throughout that he has continued to grow exponentially as a filmmaker and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the horror world. The entirety of the cast is exceptional and gives impressive performances that really help to put you in these character’s shoes and feel as if you are truly immersed in their world.

‘We Are What We Are’ is both beautiful and unsettling, while managing to bring out real emotions and feelings for members of a family you would normally expect to loathe. The gore is kept to a minimum, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few sequences that don’t hold back either. The film has a new age gothic feel to it and as a fan of all of Jim Mickle’s previous directorial efforts, I can say without doubt that he continues to grow and adapt as a filmmaker in every film, and his third effort is certainly no exception. I would highly recommend this film to all of the horror fans out there. This is not one you are going to want to miss out on.

VIDEO:

The Blu-Ray release of ‘We Are What We Are’ features a full 1080p High Definition presentation utilizing the film’s original 2.35:1 Cinemascope Aspect Ratio. The video presentation on this one looks quite impressive. The vibrant colors and unique visual tone of the film are beautifully represented on this Blu-Ray release and no faults could be found within from my perspective. Everyone should be quite satisfied with this high definition video presentation.

AUDIO:

The Blu-Ray release features a lossless 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack which really compliments this wonderfully moody film in many ways. This gorgeous soundtrack sounds fantastic and all of the eerie noises that echo throughout the speakers at just the right moments really contribute to immersing you into the tone of the movie. While there is not a heavy amount of activity in the rear channels, this is still a very impressive lossless 5.1 channel soundtrack that everyone will likely enjoy a great deal.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The Blu-Ray release of ‘We Are What We Are’ definitely includes some very impressive and informative extras. Included are ‘An Acquired Taste: The Making of We Are What We Are’ which is a 55 minute documentary detailing the production of the film. We are also treated to interviews with Jim Mickle, Bill Sage and Julia Garner in addition to an audio commentary track with the cast and crew. These are certainly much more impressive and unique features included on this release than we often see on Blu-Ray releases for horror films such as this and these great extras will likely have fans of the film quite ecstatic.

Film Rating: 9/10

Disc Rating: 9/10

 

‘We Are What We Are’ is now available to own on Blu-Ray & DVD from Entertainment One.