Watch The Carnivores
- 2021
- 1 hr 16 min
The Carnivores is a dark, indie comedic drama that explores the deep bonds between humans and their pets. Directed by Caleb Michael Johnson, the film follows the story of Alice and Brett, a couple who find their relationship on the brink of collapse due to the failing health of their beloved dog, a boxer named Harvie. Alice (played by Tallie Medel) is a struggling actress who lives with Brett (played by Frank Mosley) in a tiny Los Angeles apartment. The couple is deeply in love, but their relationship is strained by the constant care that Harvie requires. The film's opening scene shows Alice sitting alone, with a look of desperation on her face, trying to feed Harvie some food. Harvie, who is not eating, seems to be holding a grudge against Alice.
Alice and Brett's life takes a dark turn when Harvie goes missing. The couple, desperate to find their beloved dog, embarks on a bizarre journey that takes them deep into the heart of their relationship.
Alice and Brett's search for Harvie starts to unravel when Alice becomes convinced that their neighbor's dog, a Doberman named Reggie, is responsible for the disappearance of her pet. This sets off a series of events that sees Alice become increasingly paranoid, and her relationship with Brett start to crumble.
The Carnivores explores themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. It is a slow-burning, surreal film that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, leaving the audience with a sense of unease.
Tallie Medel's performance as Alice is the standout of the film. She portrays the character with a mix of vulnerability and ferocity, perfectly capturing the desperation and grief that Alice feels as she tries to hold onto her relationship with Brett and her beloved Harvie.
Frank Mosley's Brett is a deeply flawed character, but Mosley portrays him with a raw honesty that makes him impossible to dislike. The audience is left to wonder whether Brett is a victim of circumstance, or if his actions are responsible for the breakdown of his relationship with Alice and the disappearance of Harvie.
The film's visual style is striking, with director Caleb Michael Johnson infusing the film with a surreal quality that perfectly reflects the film's themes. The use of wide-angle lenses and color saturation gives the film an otherworldly quality that keeps the audience on edge.
Overall, The Carnivores is a unique, thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it. It is a film that is best enjoyed with an open mind, as it requires the audience to think deeply about the themes and symbolism that underpin the story.
The Carnivores is a 2021 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes.