Foodie: A Short, Dark Comedy Horror Film

 

“Beware of bad men who live to eat and drink, whereas good men eat and drink to live.”
-  Socrates

 

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TOMATOMETER  AUDIENCE 39%

A documentary on the fine dining subculture of foodies. The interest in haute cuisine has grown exponentially. Now, we enter the world of one of the most influential people on the food scene - the foodie. A subculture of blogging food critics with a mission to eat at the best restaurants on earth. Through our close study, we get access to the world's most exclusive restaurants and get to know a group of slightly bizarre but charming food maniacs.

 Super Reviewer
**** ½ Ian W
November 22, 2015
Exceedingly interesting documentary on food critics and what they do. Travelling around the world to review food sure sounds like quite the easy life, that's for sure. But there is more to it than that. This documentary contains a high amount of food porn and definitely worth watching if you are looking for a new culinary experience.

** WS W
November 13, 2015
Quite novelty in concept but rather disappointing in execution.
"Foodies" (aka food critic)? For real??
Just stupid & phony.
So is this documentary, unfortunately.

* Ming Siu G
July 21, 2015
Despite the fact that there simply isn't enough actual compelling content to fill out the runtime, it isn't badly-made. The problem is that most of the subjects appear to be privileged, self-absorbed brats, with the insufferable habit of whipping out cameras to shoot their food. With no qualifications to speak of, what gives them the right to criticise? Besides, when hunger is so prevalent all over the world, a film that focuses on people who fly around to eat feels almost criminal. So, yes, I guess my problem is more with what the film stands for, as opposed to what it actually is.

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IMBd Review

5/10 ***** 14 September 2015
A film best avoided if you're irritated by pretentious people, or not that keen on food.

I quite enjoyed it. It was often amusing - I'm not sure that always was the intent.

It was a pity that the 'foodies' weren't that articulate - but, had they been, they'd probably have not ended up that way.

What was saddest, to me, was how they all seemed, mainly, to eat at these expensive restaurants on their own. One essential component to a good meal is the company, and the discussion - without that, it can be the best place on the planet, but only second rate. 

I was amused by one of the chaps who wants, rather as Curnonski did, all those years ago, to establish an eater's hierarchy of taste, not a chef's - but, despite this, he, and the others, accepted the Michelin star rating without question. It'd have been much more interesting if they'd thought that one had been graded to high, or too low.

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Sometimes I find that the reviews from critics versus the general audience are pretty close, and then there are those films in which the two different camps diverge wildly. Foodie seems to be one of those films. Well, apparently, according to the film, there are foodies those who are obsessed and wealthy enough to eat exclusively at the haute cuisine level restaurant. But there are also folks like myself who also appreciates good food and considers them self a "foodie". But I'm always looking for good food. It doesn't have to be in the rarified atmosphere of haute cuisine. For instance, I sat down last night with a takeout of burritos from a new food truck that recently has appeared in my San Francisco neighborhood. My three dogs were hanging out on their new beds that had arrived that day from a great store that sold dog beds online I had discovered, Good Night Dog. Love the name. The pooches are chillin' as I open up the containers that come with my order. All of a sudden three heads pop up and my little island of aromatic smells becomes crowded with three additional dogs. Little did I know I have three foodie fuzzies living with me. So I guess what I am saying, the "foodie" tag is in the eye of the beholder. People can be snobs about where they eat, perhaps for bragging rights. People can just celebrate exciting new tastes and flavors where ever they luck out finding a special eatery. I fall into the later, although I know some people who are the former. So take Foodie with a grain of salt and enjoy.

 

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Release Dates

Sweden           23 May 2014  
Denmark         6 November 2014       (CPH:DOX)
Sweden           24 January 2015          (Göteborg Film Festival)
Lithuania         19 March 2015            (International Film Festival Vilnius)
Finland            11 April 2015  (TV premiere)
Australia         10 June 2015   (Sydney Film Festival)
Hungary           18 June 2015  
Singapore        16 July 2015   
Australia         1 August 2015 (Melbourne International Film Festival)
Iceland 24 September 2015    (Reykjavik International Film Festival)
Australia         20 October 2015         (Adelaide Film Festival)
Japan   25 October 2015         (Tokyo International Film Festival)
Chile    26 October 2015         (TV premiere)
Japan   30 January 2016         
Japan   10 September 2016    (Aichi International Women's Film Festival)

 

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More Background On Foodie-TheMovie.com

Introduction

"Foodie: A Short, Dark Comedy Horror Film" is an intriguing blend of horror and comedy that delves into the macabre side of culinary obsession. Directed by Christopher G. Moore and written by Eryk Pruitt, the film follows the story of a food service industry professional who receives an invitation to an exclusive, underground dinner party. As the evening progresses, he discovers that the menu includes much more than he bargained for. This film offers a satirical look at the extreme lengths to which food enthusiasts, or "foodies," might go in their pursuit of gastronomic pleasure.

Plot Overview and Themes

The narrative centers on a character named Mueller, who is invited to an elite dinner party at "Kitchen X." The attendees, comprising chefs, bloggers, and food enthusiasts, are depicted as obsessively passionate about their culinary pursuits. The film’s dark humor is rooted in the exaggerated portrayal of these characters and their interactions, highlighting the sometimes absurd nature of foodie culture. Themes of excess, obsession, and the macabre intertwine, culminating in a shocking revelation about the true nature of the dinner's main course.

Critical Reception

"Foodie" has garnered attention and accolades across various film festivals. It won several awards, including Best Produced Screenplay Short at Crimson Screen Horror Film Fest and Best Horror Short at Tucson Terrorfest. Critics have praised the film for its unique blend of horror and comedy. Mark Bell from Film Threat described it as "a gruesome delight" that successfully combines gore and humor, while Victoria Bouloubasis from The Independent Weekly highlighted its exploration of an underground sect of foodies who dine on humans in a gourmet setting.

Press and Media Coverage

The film has been widely reviewed by both mainstream and niche publications. Dana Goodyear of The New Yorker commented on the film's satirical take on cannibalism, comparing it to the extreme scenarios portrayed in other cultural narratives. Byron Woods of The Independent Weekly lauded the film for its regional theater talent and its humorous yet horrifying depiction of foodie culture.

The Audience of "Foodie: A Short, Dark Comedy Horror Film"

"Foodie: A Short, Dark Comedy Horror Film" has cultivated a diverse and dedicated audience that spans various demographics, primarily attracting fans of horror, dark comedy, and independent films. The unique blend of genres and its satirical take on foodie culture have contributed to its appeal among different viewer groups.

Horror Enthusiasts

One of the primary audiences for "Foodie" consists of horror movie fans. The film's effective use of gore, suspense, and dark humor aligns well with the tastes of those who enjoy horror films that are both thrilling and satirical. The film's success at various horror film festivals, where it won several awards, underscores its resonance with this audience segment. Reviews from horror-focused websites like HorrorSociety.com praised the film for its strong production values, unexpected plot twists, and engaging horror elements, making it a must-watch for horror aficionados.

Dark Comedy Lovers

Fans of dark comedy also form a significant portion of the film's audience. "Foodie" leverages its macabre premise to explore absurd and humorous situations, often highlighting the ridiculousness of extreme foodie culture. This blend of comedy with dark, unsettling themes attracts viewers who appreciate a more nuanced and edgy form of humor. Publications like The New Yorker and The Independent Weekly have noted the film's clever satire and effective comedic timing, which have been well-received by audiences looking for something different from mainstream comedy.

Independent Film Fans

As an independently produced film, "Foodie" has garnered attention from audiences who support and follow indie films. The movie's success in independent film circuits and its recognition at numerous film festivals have bolstered its reputation within this community. Independent film fans often seek out unique storytelling, creative freedom, and innovative production techniques, all of which "Foodie" delivers. The film's grassroots promotion and word-of-mouth marketing have further strengthened its following among indie film enthusiasts.

Culinary Enthusiasts

Interestingly, "Foodie" also attracts viewers who are part of the culinary world or have a keen interest in food culture. While the film takes a dark and satirical look at foodie culture, its detailed and exaggerated portrayal of culinary obsession strikes a chord with those who understand or are amused by the extremes of gourmet dining. This audience segment appreciates the film's insider jokes, references to food trends, and the exaggerated depiction of food enthusiasts. Reviews highlighting the film's clever commentary on foodie culture, such as those by Victoria Bouloubasis from The Independent Weekly, emphasize this connection.

General Audience Appeal

Despite its niche themes, "Foodie" has also managed to appeal to a broader audience due to its universal themes of obsession and human behavior. The film's dark humor and horror elements, combined with its sharp social commentary, make it accessible to viewers who might not typically seek out horror or indie films. The relatable yet extreme characters and the satirical take on contemporary culture provide an engaging viewing experience for a wide range of audiences.

"Foodie: A Short, Dark Comedy Horror Film" has successfully captured the interest of a diverse audience, from horror enthusiasts and dark comedy lovers to independent film fans and culinary enthusiasts. Its unique blend of horror and humor, combined with its satirical commentary on foodie culture, has helped it carve out a distinctive niche in the film world. The film's critical acclaim and audience reception highlight its effectiveness in resonating with various viewer groups, making it a notable work in the realm of short films.

Audience reactions have been mixed but generally positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 39% audience score, indicating a range of responses. Some viewers appreciated the film’s dark humor and clever satire, while others found the subject matter and execution to be unsettling. Despite this, the film has developed a cult following among fans of the horror-comedy genre.

Cultural and Social Significance

"Foodie" taps into the zeitgeist of the early 2010s, a period when food culture was booming, and the concept of the "foodie" was becoming mainstream. The film satirizes the elitism and pretentiousness often associated with haute cuisine and the lengths to which some individuals will go to distinguish themselves in the culinary world. This cultural commentary is particularly resonant in an era where food has become a form of social currency and identity.

Production Details and Insights

Filmed in the Triangle region of North Carolina in the fall of 2011, "Foodie" brought together a talented cast and crew. The production team included notable figures such as Director of Photography Ismail Abdelkhalek and composers CutshawKane, whose music contributed significantly to the film's eerie and comedic atmosphere. The cast featured Nick Karner as Mueller, along with performances by Jeff Alguire, Tracey Coppedge, and Tony Hughes, among others.

Examples and Specifics

One of the standout elements of "Foodie" is its detailed and inventive portrayal of the dinner party's courses. For instance, a "breadless" bread plate serves as a satirical commentary on the absurdity of gourmet dining, where the simplest food items are elevated to pretentious extremes. Another memorable scene involves a deconstructed taco course that serves as a visual and narrative metaphor for the characters' hidden truths and moral decay.

 

"Foodie: A Short, Dark Comedy Horror Film" is a bold and imaginative work that offers a darkly humorous critique of foodie culture. Its successful blend of horror and comedy, coupled with sharp social commentary, makes it a standout piece in the genre. The film’s accolades, critical reception, and cultural significance underscore its impact and the unique niche it occupies in the world of short films.