Running Time: 100 Minutes
Starring: April Consalo, Nate Wise, Clay von Carlowitz
In the 1960's, the musical and film versions of Oliver! emphasized the hopes of the workhouse orphans with a three-word title; "Food, Glorious Food!" Six decades later, writer/director Aimee Kuge takes the baton and utilizes food as a way to instill hope and connect the characters of Cannibal Mukbang. This is seen from the initial meet-cute where Mark (Nate Wise) and Ash (April Consalo) both reach for the same pack of pizza chips. As the pair share in each other's company, Mark is introduced to some juicy food by his outgoing companion, and is surprised that she reciprocates his smitten feelings.
As their feelings intensify, Mark unexpectedly becomes part of Ash's passion for mukbanging -where she eats food online for viewers to watch. There may be hints of embarrassment when Ash shares her love for that, yet that quickly vanishes when he shows understanding that such a passion requires an intersection of many talents. Central to this story is this lovely pairing brought alive in enchanting ways, with a charming back-and-forth making it easy to buy into this burgeoning relationship.
On the outskirts of their relationship is Maverick (Clay von Carlowitz), Mark's brother who is a notable example of toxic masculinity in action. He is shown to be a man clinging onto status despite being unhappily married, yet his insults do not hide a genuine love and understanding for his brother. The pair have been affected by childhood trauma and, as a result, have become each other's rock throughout the years. A lesser film would have used that to gloss over the awful avenues Maverick goes down, yet Kuge never lets that be forgotten and shows how the ones we love can also be the cause of toxicity.
Bringing alive this work is a stylish direction which adds to this films personality. When the flashbacks are presented in a different aspect ratio and appear more grainy, it feels as though viewers have been transported through nostalgia. The standout sequence involves a bonding session in a blanket fort, as the central pair open up about their past hurt in a scene that is equally colourful and intimate.
As the feature captures this growing romance, a lurking danger is felt as missing persons reports are heard on the radio and seen courtesy of a lingering camera. This is where the horror elements make themselves known, as viewers get to know more about Ash while the gruesome effects effectively sell the central conceit. What truly fascinates are how these grisly moments are well-balanced alongside the great comedic timing and heartfelt romance, ensuring that the film's beating heart is never forgotten.
If there were any issues, it would regard certain machinations which feel rushed in setting up the third-act, including one particular moment that feels out of the blue. Yet this does not take away from the sadly relevant look at how, despite having clear examples of wrongdoing in front of their eyes, some people will protect abusers instead of allowing them to pay for their sins. If Promising Young Woman had a ravenous appetite for human flesh, Cannibal Mukbang would be the tremendous outcome.
Cannibal Mukbang played at SoHome Horror Pride 2024
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