Most people have heard of Pery Blackshear’s hidden gem “They Look Like People”, a psychological horror movie. His sophomore feature film, Siren was released in 2019. Now he is back, premiering his new film When I Consume You at the Fantasia Film Festival and centering his resolve with the same essence that his first movie brought. The writer, director, and cinematographer’s newest piece for the horror crowd has the same beguiling trickery.
This time, we begin with brother and sister, Daphne and Wilson (Evan Dumouchel.) Blackshear has brought back the small cast from the first film with the addition of Libby Ewing as Daphne. Her role here as the center of attention to a mysterious stalker sees her spitting teeth into the sink in the opening scenes. As she composes herself, she looks down at a small tattoo on her wrist. Flashes of demonic imagery and a photo of the siblings, when they were kids, lure in the tension. Something is after her, and it wants her dead.
That reminds me of Blackshear’s They Look Like People compared with the When I Consume You movie, it is the constant struggle to not take what you see for granted. It’s the dialogue and small moments between characters that lead you on a wild goose chase or face you with conclusions. What is real and what is not? You’ll be asking that question until the final moments of the film.
“Fighting back against the wolf at the door”
Wilson and Daphne’s conversations draw many facts. We are enlightened to a troubled childhood, so bad that Wilson has panic attacks, quits his degree after one year, and works as a janitor. Daphne struggled with drugs and alcohol in her 20s and now as a project manager, wants to adopt. The agency seems more aware of her past on their second meeting and proves that no matter what demons you quash, they can still affect your future. Similarly, as Wilson tries to correct his professional career path, an interview he attends ends before it begins. This is a big reminder that mental health struggles form an unerasable blemish on the scorecards of life.
Snippets of information are so meticulously laid out that at times it feels as though you are watching two separate films. The directional pull toward which story you want to be watching is what makes this writer-director unique, moody, heartfelt, and creepy all at the same time. Drawing from the idea of demons is what meshes all the pieces together, and here they are real. At its core, “When I Consume You” is a demonic movie about Souleaters. Underneath, the film tackles childhood trauma and its effects as well as addiction and faith.
The film is dark and uses black light, shadows, symbolism, and mythology in clean and unobscured motions. It doesn’t teeter into experimental or dream territory like many films of this ilk like to rely on. It’s the straightforward nature of Wilson’s foray into defeating the demons that took his sister that makes this story a poetic horror movie that has just as much strength in the supernatural side as it does in its heady drama.
Films About Mental Illness and Depression, When I Consume You 2022
My favorite part of When I Consume You revolves around Wilson’s resolve to follow in Daphne’s footsteps. It reminds us that no matter how far into the dark we go, sometimes we can gain strength where others have failed.
“It’s not just at the bars and clubs anymore, it’s following me home from work”
Quote from When I Consume You 2021’s Daphne
Perry Blackshear’s third film is a thought-provoking horror movie that is worth being on your watchlist, especially if you enjoyed his first film. For more information on When I Consume You, see the official website. The When I Consume You movie releases on digital platforms on August 16th, 2022.
I give When I Consume You
4.5 demons you face every day out of 5
- Written and Directed by Perry Blackshear
Starring and is Produced by Libby Ewing, Evan Dumouchel, and MacLeod Andrews. - Mother of Movies interview with Great White Director / Brothers Nest / Most Anticipated 2021 Fantasia Films
LIVE Q&A WHEN I CONSUME YOU + Trailer Below
LIVE Q&A With Perry Blackshear
“I sought my soul, but my soul I couldn’t see.
I sought my God but my God eluded me.
I sought my brother and I found all three.”
Quote from the necklace in When I Consume You 2021
