We Are What We Are Blu-ray Review

"We Are What We Are" is presented on Blu-ray by Entertainment One with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. This modern feature, shot on the Red Epic, has been deliberately desaturated to emulate an almost antique appearance, reminiscent of living Daguerreotypes. Dark and brooding, the image effectively employs muted colors to set a grim tone, highlighted by vibrant reds during key gory moments. The level of detail in close-ups is impressive, with notable clarity that allows viewers to observe fine textures such as individual hairs. Despite the overall murkiness, the depth of the picture remains consistent. However, expect minor video noise, especially evident in darker scenes, though it does not substantially hinder the viewing experience.

While the transfer maintains commendable fine detail and clarity typical of the 1080p format, it falls short of exhibiting vibrant color palettes seen in many modern releases. The intentionally subdued color grading results in vague blues and greens with an overarching grayish hue. Skin tones appear natural, and black levels are fairly deep and inky, complementing the film's atmospheric intent. It's important to note that the visual presentation, though high in detail and stylistically coherent, may come across as visually rough due to the purposeful artistic direction. Consequently, while some scenes display superior quality, fans should temper expectations regarding vibrancy and embrace the film's stylistic choices aimed at creating a distinctive visual experience.

The audio presentation of "We Are What We Are" on Blu-ray is delivered through an impeccably nuanced DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, elevating the film’s atmospheric tension. The opening sequence features a stormy downpour where the discrete pitter-patter of raindrops effectively permeates through the surround channels, creating a highly immersive environment. This meticulous attention to ambient details, such as the muffled sound of a leaf falling into water, typifies the thoughtful sound design throughout the film. Dialogue is presented cleanly and sharply, ensuring clarity without any audible distortions like pops or hissing, even during the film's most intense sequences.

Sound effects are skillfully amplified to enhance the film's suspenseful and creepy atmosphere. The dynamic range is impressively broad, adeptly handling various effects from bone-crunching to slurping sounds with robust fullness, without overshadowing the vocal tracks. The minimalist yet poignant musical score operates seamlessly with the sound effects, adding to the overall eerie tone without ever drowning out crucial dialogue or ambient sounds. In quieter moments, the track maintains its quality, delivering soft sounds with precision, which, combined with strategic silence, greatly contributes to building suspense and maintaining viewer engagement.

Overall, this DTS-HD 5.1 mix ensures an engaging audio experience that excellently captures the intricate details of the film’s soundscape. The surround sound capabilities fully immerse viewers into the narrative's creepy ambiance, making for a top-notch auditory experience that complements the suspenseful nature of this horror film.

The Blu-ray release of "We Are What We Are" impressively includes a well-curated selection of extras, offering considerable insight into the film's production. Noteworthy is the feature-length documentary, "An Acquired Taste: The Making of We Are What We Are," which provides an engaging examination of the film's creation through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Additionally, the audio commentary featuring director Jim Mickle and several cast members stands out for its informative and conversational nature, revealing intriguing details about the filmmaking process. Interviews with key cast members and the director further enrich the viewer's understanding of the film. These extra features ensure fans and genre enthusiasts will find much to appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

• An Acquired Taste: The Making of We Are What We Are: In-depth behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Audio Commentary: Informative discussion with director Jim Mickle, cast, and crew.
• Interviews: Dialogues with Jim Mickle, Bill Sage, and Julia Garner.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional preview for the film.

Jim Mickle’s "We Are What We Are" emerges as a sophisticated and enthralling horror film, distinctively departing from typical genre conventions. This 2013 remake of the original 2010 Mexican film “Somos lo que hay” seamlessly blends a disturbing family narrative with a gripping atmosphere drenched in tension. The film opens with a violent thunderstorm isolating a rural town, introducing us to the Parker family. The sudden death of Mrs. Parker (Kassie DePaiva) at the general store sets off a chain of events, compelling her daughters Iris (Ambyr Childers) and Rose (Julia Garner) to take over her unsettling responsibilities. Their father, Frank Parker (Bill Sage), insists on maintaining a peculiar family tradition passed through generations—one steeped in cannibalism, which gradually comes to light through haunting flashbacks.

Mickle’s direction ensures that the story unfolds with an eerie calmness, only occasionally punctuated by visceral shocks, such as Mrs. Parker’s autopsy revealing she suffered from a cannibalism-induced neurological disorder. The film’s cast delivers superbly restrained performances that ground the macabre subject in an air of realism. Michael Parks’ portrayal of Doc Barrow as he slowly uncovers the Parkers’ dark secret adds depth to the prevailing sense of dread.

Enriched with meticulous cinematography and unsettling scenarios, "We Are What We Are" successfully merges gothic horror with indie film aesthetics, making it a noteworthy adaptation. The climax is a masterclass in tension-building and gore, leading to an extraordinary crescendo that is bound to leave audiences astounded. Mickle’s film goes beyond superficial scares, weaving an intricate tapestry of tradition, coercion, and survival, presenting a horrifying yet mesmerizing narrative that demands attention in modern horror cinema.

"We Are What We Are" offers a compelling blend of horror and psychological thriller, inviting viewers into a hauntingly atmospheric world. The film expertly cultivates a sinister mood, maintaining an air of ominous suspense throughout, even if the overarching plot offers few surprises. Jim Mickle's direction showcases a deft touch for crafting both scenery and tone, paired with uniformly strong performances from the cast, making this a standout indie horror experience.

The Blu-ray release of "We Are What We Are" is commendable, featuring dependable video quality that brings the eerie visuals to life despite minor issues. Where this Blu-ray truly shines is in its audio presentation, delivering top-notch sound that heightens the film's unsettling ambiance. Furthermore, the supplementary materials included in the release add valuable context and enhance the overall viewing experience, ensuring that genre enthusiasts will find much to appreciate.

In conclusion, "We Are What We Are" manages to establish and maintain a creepily spooky air of menace, though there really is no ultimate mystery as to what's going on here, something that tends to remove at least some of the shock value from the film. The performances are uniformly excellent and Mickle, who seems primed for bigger things, has a nice eye for both scenery and tone. The film's video quality has a few niggling issues, but the audio is top notch and the supplements are worthwhile. Genre enthusiasts should certainly enjoy this film, and for those folks, "We Are What We Are" comes recommended.