Le Mangeur d'âmes

Yeah, this is definitely not my kind of 'Horror' film. I tend to like the more 'Entertaining' type of Horror stories. But, I must admit that this one is indeed very well made, and if you are one who likes the darker, more 'Reality' based Horror movies, ones that are more involved with the 'Evil that men do', then you may find this one interesting.

I don't want to give away the major 'Misdirection' in this film (as others have stupidly done here in some reviews) but, although it may not be quite what you are expecting as to the real key of what is going on, still, the way it is made and the way it is well directed is very effective in building a very strong Mystery/Thriller and a definite sense of unease...

Like I say, when you get to the end depending on your sensitivities, you might feel like, 'Oh... that is rather unpleasant', but at least the way it is done does not overly dwell on this aspect once it is revealed.

So, what you have here is a very well crafted, rather Dark, Mystery/Thriller that effectively packs a punch. Just don't expect to feel particularly uplifted afterwards.

The Police Captain Franck de Rolan (Paul Hamy) is hitchhiking on the road to reach the small village Roquenoir and a woman gives a ride to him. He is investigating the disappearance of several children in that area and when they reach the address, he learns that she is Inspector Elizabeth Guardiano (Virginie Ledoyen). She drove to the address to investigate the gruesome murder of the local Vassell couple. They meet the local chief of police Marcelin (Francis Renaud) and his two police officers. Franck investigates the white van while Elizabeth searches the house and finds the boy Evan Vasseur (Cameron Bain) hidden in the basement. They call an ambulance to take Evan to the hospital. Franck visits the boy, but the psychiatric Dr. Carole Marbas (Sandrine Bonnaire) does not allow him to see Evan. However, Franck sneaks and interviews the boy that blames The Soul Eater for the death of his parents. Further, he says that he knows all the children that have disappeared, and they are dead. However, Dr. Marbas interrupts Franck. Meanwhile, a Cessna with tourists that crashed in the woods has not been located yet. The coroner concludes that Mr. And Mrs. Vassell awfully killed each other and felt pleasure before dying. Franck also interviews the Vassell's neighbor and learns that they were weirdos and Evan killed her dog. Soon other gruesome deaths happen in Roquenoir and they finally recover the computers. They further investigation that all the victims have connection in the dark web. Meanwhile, a man riding a motorcycle is following them everywhere. What is the mystery of The Soul Eater?

"Le mangeur d'âmes", a.k.a. "The Soul Eater" (2024) is another excellent French thriller, and certainly one of the best recently released. It is amazing how French writers are able to write such complex police story in 108 minutes running time and without the use of CGI. The plot is full of details and the viewer must pay attention to them. The story shows how evil and the lack of humanity of the human race, and what they are capable to do to make money. The end is another plus in this magnificent French thriller. The work of the cast is amazing, highlighting the lead cast with the names of Virginie Ledoyen, Paul Hamy and Sandrine Bonnaire. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): Not Available.

You can't watch this film and not think of the classic French crime thriller Crimson Rivers.

It has a lot of similarities to that film, only with more of a folk horror twist.

Not that it's nearly as good as it...more like a budget version.

It's got that vibe though.

Which is why I wanted to love this more than I actually did.

Because I was a huge fan of that film when I was younger.

Unfortnately, there's something about this that just doesn't do it for me.

Perhaps it's the acting (the duo here are no Reno & Cassels).

Perhaps it's the manufactured feel of the whole thing.

Or, perhaps it's the way the mystery is dumbed down "for the sake of the viewers".

Either way...it sits somewhere in the middle ground of being entertaining enough, and kind of lame, at the same time.

That's not to say it's overtly horrible.

Just that it could have, and should have, been better than it is.

It's major downfall, in my opinion, is that the ending is way too predictable.

And, even though they attempted to throw in a few twists, and a little ultraviolence, towards the end...it just wasn't enough to make the film good.

So I can't help but leave feeling a little disappointed by it all.

But I think it is enjoyable enough for most mainstream viewers to appreciate.

So there's that, at least.

But it wasn't for me.

4 out of 10.

The movie itself is quite good if you love similar movies. For instance, Long Legs.

First, the script here is good, not the most original but storyline is quite acceptable without big plot holes. Entertaining.

Second, acting here is superb. I think the main actor does a great and real acting masterclass.

Third, settings are perfect for a suspense-horror story. I love the rainy greenery that is shown here.

Fourth, music and camera work again are extremely good. Love the mysterious vibe during the whole thing. To add, gore doesn't look cheap and they didn't use cheap CGI. Good for them.

Anyway, if you're looking for an interesting horror-suspense- a bit gory movie, this one is for you.

Le Mangeur D'Âmes (or The Soul Eater for the English title) is a French mystery/thriller of good quality, but not really a horror movie like it's also categorized on here. Sure there is a creepy mask but that's about it concerning horror. The most positive thing about The Soul Eater is that there is a good mysterious vibe to it, which keeps you guessing. It's entertaining and interesting to follow. A well written story. The acting was also more than decent, and that from the entire cast. The Soul Eater is certainly worth watching if you like this genre of movies. A good crime/mystery/thriller.