It seems every time I think I've seen it all, some filmmaker takes his imagination to the very rock bottom level of depravity… then actually digs deeper below the rock than I ever thought possible. Oddly enough, this is not meant as a complaint, but more of an appreciation for directors like Brett Leonard who are able to take this tired DVD reviewer and wake him up with a hard slap to the face. The film that did this to me is a little known psychological thriller that goes by the simple title "Feed." But rest assured, this is no simple movie. It exposes the dark underbelly of unusual fetish crimes, with an in-your-face approach that will make some of the most de-sensitized viewers gag. In "Feed", we are introduced to Phillip Jackson (Patrick Thompson), an Australian detective who tracks down those suspected of cyber crimes, most notably in the form of fetishes that go just a little too far. Thinking (as I do) that I've seen it all, he is repulsed when he comes across a website dedicated to the viewing of 600 plus pound women being fed… and fed… and fed.

His repulsion is replaced by the feeling that something far more sinister is at work behind the camera, so using his Interpol status he travels to America to investigate. Here he finds himself in the middle of a game of cat and mouse with a psychopath (Alex O'Loughlin) whose obsession is far more deadly than delicious.

On the surface, "Feed" seems like no more than the director's wish to make a film as horribly grotesque as possible. The scenes of the killer feeding his victim (Gabby Milgate) are (for lack of a better term) vomit-inducing, thanks to a far too realistic fat suit worn by the actress. Most of the time that we see her she is mostly naked and the rolls of fat (which again are thankfully not really hers) undulate as she eats or attempts to move. But what really surprised me about the film was not only how well written it was, but how well acted as well.

The script offers a much better than average look at a cop seeking his prey. We are given two characters who are both psychotic, but in different ways. Jackson is a tough cop dealing with his own demons, which in this film we see in the form of heavily violent sex with his girlfriend. Yet the scenes of Carter (the killer) give the illusion that he is a tender and loving person, even when at the height of his twisted psychosis. This dichotomy of character, brilliantly played by both actors, delivers a thriller whose psychological approach to creating tension actually transcends some of the more grotesquely visual scenes of the movie. But make no mistake, the film is visually grotesque, so you really need to prepare yourself before going in.

The DVD for "Feed" is being released by TLA video, as part of their new "Danger After Dark" series. (This series is going to offer films that are edgier than those you might find elsewhere. As a matter of fact, in a couple of days I'm going to be posting a couple of reviews for some of their other titles already available so be on the lookout.) I have to hand it to them for offering up this DVD with as many extra features as they did. There's a Behind the Scenes featurette which is where we learn about the fat suit… and the fact that it was one!! You'll also find some interviews with the director and producer Melissa Beauford, as well as actors Alex O'Loughlin and Jack Thompson (who just happens to be Patrick's real-life dad). There is also some footage from a Q&A session that took place after the film's North American premiere in Philadelphia and some very funny tongue-in-cheek clips of the cast.

"Feed" is not a film for those with a weak (and in some cases… small…) stomach. As if some of the visuals weren't bad enough, they are enhanced by some of the most nauseating sound effects I think I have ever heard. If you think you can handle it, then I highly recommend checking it out.

Directed by: Brett Leonard
Starring: Alex O'Loughlin, Patrick Thompson, Gabby Milgate, Matthew Le Nevez, Jack Thompson
Extras: 10 Deleted Scenes, Alternate Ending, Final Day Interview with Director Brett Leonard, Interviews with Alex O'Loughlin, Jack Thompson and producer Melissa Beauford, "Feed In Philadelphia: the North American Premiere" featurette, Behind-the-scenes footage, Infomercial
Specifications: Widescreen (1.78:1), DTS 5.0 Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: TLA
Release Date: Available
Region: 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Feed an A.