Devoured - Verschlungen

This movie is for the most part contained within a restaurant where Lourdes works as a cleaning woman to make money for her sick son's operation. We see the restaurant filled with patrons only once (early in the movie) and some close-ups of the chef's gloveless, grubby hands preparing food in the kitchen while people at the other end obliviously lap it up. For the most part though, it's after hours or before hours with Lourdes who is usually alone but sometimes with 2 other people who work at the restaurant. One is her boss, a real bitch who enjoys giving her a hard time. The other, a guy, is a first-class jerk who is always coming on to her and whose function at the restaurant beyond boffing the boss seems to be prepping meat (Don't laugh).

Lourdes is seeing and hearing things and believes the restaurant is haunted. We don't know if she is cracking up or actually experiencing certain things. But since we, the viewers, see things that she does not see because she --for example-- has her back turned, this would seem to be independent (of her) corroboration by us, the viewing audience that the restaurant is indeed haunted. Now when not mopping up, having strange experiences, and run-ins with her boss, Lourdes is (1) On the phone begging her mother to speak with her son. (2) Having personal fantasies --no, not that kind. (3) Talking to some guy she bumped into early in the movie when something spooked her and she ran out of the restaurant. (4) Desperately giving blow jobs and who knows what else to patrons for money (so we inferred anyway).

At the beginning of the movie I was captivated by it's style and anticipatory and intrigued by what was starting to happen with this woman; the things she was experiencing. What was behind them? But then the movie seemed to settle into a routine; her going to work, cleaning up, calling her mother, fantasizing about seeing her son and her friend, run-ins with her boss, and some curious unnatural experiences. I say "routine" because things didn't escalate as quickly as I would have liked. BUT THAT'S JUST ME, READER. You may have a different sense of pace should you choose to see the movie --AND YOU SHOULD, since it acquitted itself very well with a very interesting twist and explanation at the end. Well worth the wait. Love, Boloxxxi.

I consider this film a Giallo which generally means a thriller and specifically an Italian thriller but has come to mean any thriller with high production values where the perp is hidden. I.E. Hitchcock or Dario Argento. This is not a "horror" movie. It is a great character study with beautiful cinematography, a nice story line that gets you invested in the characters and a wonderful atmosphere. I am generally a horror fan but I like Giallos and enjoyed this very much. I would say if you enjoyed movies like Suspiria or Rear Window, you will probably enjoy this. I do not compare this movie to those, but it may give you an idea of the type of movie it is. I was very impressed by the overall quality. That's pretty much why I am writing this review. I watch a lot of movies and a lot are sub par. This movie deserves more attention. No, I am not in any way related to anything to do with the production of this movie. I am just a fan of quality movies and a critic of horrible movies. Call me silly but I think that is what the reviews on IMDb are supposed to be about.

6.6 of 10. It's rare that you get horror combined with a finely structured mystery and an Irreversible shout-out. That's what you get here. Great relative to most horror, pretty good as a film overall. Had more thought gone into the film's title, it would get another bump up.

There's an unspoken subplot in this film involving what crosses protect you from. But telling you how that turns out will spoil the ending.

The film as a whole could be discussed thoroughly about what other allusions and metaphors the film serves up on modern American society, immigrants, employment, and boss-worker relationships. Horror worthy of showing in a film school.

Okay so this film may not be everyone's cup of tea but I would have thought there were enough intelligent people on IMDb to see past the (few) shortcomings and appreciate a breath of fresh air in the horror genre. Yeah its loosely art-house but don't be put off. From the beautiful cinematography to the brilliant performance of the lead actress this really is something a bit different.

I have watched countless horror/thrillers and this one really stuck with me. I really enjoy the less fantastical type of movie where you can actually believe the film could take place in the day to day world and this film does that in spades.

The deterioration of the main character initially appears a bit clichéd until the reveal when we see the full extent of her mental breakdown and understand how and why.

Do yourself a favour, rent or buy it, sit back with a nice bottle and engage your brain, you'll find an entertaining and ultimately satisfying descent into madness that could happen to any one of us.

Talk about an emotional mind f@$k! Wow! I had my doubts when I pulled up 'Devoured' on IMDb. I saw the current rating at 4.7 and that the Director, Greg Olliver, has only made documentaries and this film is his first full-length feature. I figured there was no way this film would be good, let alone, scary. Couldn't have been more wrong! I'm totally blown away by this beautifully, depressing horror film. First off, the cinematography and direction is absolutely stunning. The film forces you from the very start to sympathize and feel so much compassion for the lead who, by the way, is a fantastically talented actress. The way the first opening scene goes down, you are prepared for the end, but ultimately are pulled in by the main character's struggle. The genius part about it all is that you are so broken down by her life that every single scary moment is terrifying and stressfully confusing. I am still overwhelmed by what an emotional roller coaster this film is. Going from sad to scared to angry, then back to sad, scared and confused. Chilling, depressing, beautiful, dark and clever, 'Devoured' is a film that I will gladly file under art-house horror. This film is for the sophisticated horror connoisseur that has a palate for artistic direction and a hunger for hauntingly disturbing images. BRAVO!

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FYI: I am in no way involved with this film what-so-ever. This is my honest opinion. I watch every and all films associated within the horror genre and always give my unbiased opinion. I am all about celebrating people's love for horror and do not tolerate unnecessary film bashing.