Watch We Are What We Are

We Are What We Are is a horror drama film released in 2013, directed by Jim Mickle, starring Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, and others. Set in a rural area of upstate New York, the film explores the twisted story of the reclusive Parker family, whose members are grappling with a strange and horrifying tradition that has been passed down to them for generations.

The story of the film kicks off with the sudden death of Emma Parker, wife to Frank Parker, the patriarch of the family. While the rest of the family is grieving their loss, they are also struggling to cope with an impending tragedy that will soon befall them, and it is not long before the audience learns the dark secret that has been tearing the family apart.

The Parker family practices a gruesome tradition that requires them to cannibalize other humans during an annual ritual known as the "Lamb's Day." The tradition, which has been passed down from one generation to another, is seen as a way of atoning for past sins and ensuring the survival of the family. Frank, the family patriarch, takes it upon himself to ensure that the ritual goes smoothly, while his daughters, Rose and Iris, begin to question the morality of their gruesome practices.

As the time for the Lamb's Day approaches, the Parker family begins to unravel. The audience will watch as Rose, the elder daughter, struggles with her conscience and fights to break free from the family's dark traditions, while her younger sister Iris is drawn closer to her father and his beliefs. Meanwhile, the stern Frank is frustrated with his family, who he sees as rebellious and weak. His anger and desperation begin to show as he plans for the upcoming ritual, and the film takes a darker turn.

We Are What We Are is a mix of horror, drama, and thriller, with a subtle nod to the gothic romance genre. It is a slow-burning film that teases its audience with hints of something sinister lurking beneath the surface. While the film is not overtly violent, it is still a profoundly disturbing and unsettling piece that will leave the audience questioning the morality of the protagonist's actions.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film lies in its cast, specifically the acting performances of Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, and Julia Garner. Bill Sage's Frank Parker is an imposing and domineering character who manages to evoke both sympathy and revulsion. His daughters, Rose and Iris, played by Ambyr Childers and Julia Garner, respectively, provide a stark contrast to their father's sternness. Rose's struggle with her morality is palpable, and her frustration with her younger sister and father is heart-wrenching. Julia Garner's Iris, on the other hand, provides a more subdued performance, conveying the uncertainty of youth and her desire to be closer to her father.

Apart from the cast, another highlight of the film is its cinematography. The rural setting of the film provides an eerie and unsettling backdrop that becomes more and more oppressive as the story progresses. The film's color scheme is predominantly brown and muted, with sporadic pops of red and green, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

We Are What We Are is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that forces its audience to question the morality of its protagonists. It explores the lengths that individuals and families will go to ensure their survival, even if it means resorting to something as heinous as cannibalism. The film delivers an unsettling conclusion that will leave the audience with a sense of unease long after the credits have rolled.

Overall, We Are What We Are is a well-crafted horror-drama film that showcases the best of what the genre has to offer. It is a slow-burning piece that overwhelms its audience not with jump scares or gore but with a sense of lurking dread that builds up to an unforgettable climax.

We Are What We Are is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 71.