We Are What We Are (2010) Kassie Wesley DePaiva, Laurent Rejto, Julia Garner Movie Review

We Are What We Are (2010)   3/53/53/53/53/5


Paulina Gaitan in We Are What We Are (2010)

Putting Meat on the Table

When their father drops deal in a puddle of his own bile at a high class shopping mall not only do the cleaners quickly dispose of his unsightly body so that it doesn't put off customers but news quickly filters back to Alfredo (Francisco Barreiro) and his siblings Sabina (Paulina Gaitan) and Julián (Alan Chavez). For Alfredo it means he is suppose to take over the running of the family, putting meat on the table for his siblings and their troubled mother but emotionally he isn't ready to be in charge whilst Julián is too quick to act without thinking which could put them at risk. In truth Sabina is the most prepared to take over but they all know a woman cannot be head. Whilst the family work out how they are going to continue a detective is investigating things when something unusual was removed from their father's stomach during its autopsy.

I have a problem; when ever I watch a foreign language movie I like to get a good idea of what the story is about before I start watching so that I find it easier to watch. The problem comes from once in a while stumbling across a movie where the less you know beforehand the better and this is the case of the 2010 movie "We Are What We Are". Now that leads me to a dilemma because I can't do justice to this movie in a review without telling you something yet the movie is so much better id you don't go in already aware of what is going on.

So in a way I am going to cop out and will avoid revealing anything crucial and basically say that what we have here is a bit of a curious kitchen sink drama, curious because of what they family are. But it is kitchen sink as we see how they try to carry on when the father and meat provider dies, there is conflict over who is in charge, a sense of not being prepared for the sudden responsibility and some more personal conflicts when it comes down to the individuals. And it is all strangely fascinating as it is unusual, often visually unsettling and even a bit art house in places. Yes I am being vague but it is the only way I can protect what is so fascinating about the movie.

What this all boils down to is that "We Are What We Are" is an unusual movie, a foreign language movie which will require your attention to follow so that you don't end up missing any of the small scenes which highlight what is really going on. But it is worth it as it not only delivers drama but also a touch of darkness.


LATEST REVIEWS