We Are What We Are Review
RYAN: We just screened We Are What We Are as part of the Cinema Hooligante lineup at this year’s Milwaukee Film Festival and it’s one of the best examples of why we have such a terrific film fest in this city. It brings such remarkable talent and diversity in film from all over the world that wouldn’t otherwise be here; and this title is actually produced by Jack Turner, a native Milwaukean, who has many big projects in the pipeline. He was in town tonight, from NY, to introduce the film and do a Q&A after. He couldn’t be nicer or cooler. He mentioned some of his upcoming work, including a sequel to this film. He’s producer I trust in choosing to work on great entertainment and We Are What We Are is a wonderful example.
CHUCK: It’s great having a Milwaukee connection to a Hollywood movie like this. This film has already screened in Cannes and at Sundance – and now here, Milwaukee’s film festival really does showcase quality films. It’s impressive.
RYAN: Was this one okay to the point where maybe you’d come to more horror movies?
CHUCK: No. [laughs’ Because it was good! It scared me. It’s gothic and well paced and it got to me.
RYAN: It is very atmospheric and deliberate. It’s a slow burn that I was hoping, patiently throughout, would have a terrific climax and payoff and I’m so happy it delivered.
CHUCK: And it does give you a number of nibbles, pun intended, of freaky moments throughout.
RYAN: Nice one.
CHUCK: Even within the first five minutes there’s a fantastic opening that sets up the mood immediately. It’s almost like the movie is shot in black and white in parts because it’s so dreary and drab.
RYAN: It is very desaturated and overcast. It all adds to the film’s environment. I love that it’s a reimagining of a Mexican horror movie but it’s not cliche to the genre at all; especially in comparison to other horror remakes or American horror fare. You’re not cheaply manipulated into being scared by music and editing. The fear is built upon your greater sense of knowing something’s wrong.
CHUCK: Totally. The score was very good.
RYAN: The mythology scenes within the film were almost like a fairy tale and I really enjoyed those.
CHUCK: They were dreamlike.
RYAN: Very Hansel and Gretel or Red Riding Hood in essence.
CHUCK: Right, it establishes the series of actions that this family participates in.
RYAN: I love that Kassie DePaiva, whom I loved on TV’s One Life to Live, had a part in this.
CHUCK: She was the mom, Yes! I couldn’t place her. She’s been around forever but has a face you just recognize. She doesn’t have a huge part but she’s pivotal and leaves you with a “Holy cow, what just happened!” feeling. And It’s so fantastic to see Kelly McGillis back on the big screen. She has such a good presence.
RYAN: She grounded the movie a bit more.
CHUCK: And the little boy in the movie, Jack Gore, is now on the new Michael J. Fox Show which was weird for me because I watched it last night on TV and when he popped up in this horror movie, I was, like, “wow!”
RYAN: And the girls in this film, Ambyr Childers and Julia Garner, were both wonderful and convey so much with their eyes and sallow expressions. The wardrobe and makeup really helps. There’s amazing horror effects makeup.
CHUCK: Those girls were both absolutely stunning. And the dad was creeptastic.
RYAN: It’s a strong film – beautifully, artfully directed and edited; well performed and I like horror movies, you don’t – and that we both enjoyed this movie says a lot about it’s strength.
