Rarely before in the history of horror cinema, one director (or a directors duo in this case) made such an impressive debut than Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury with "À L'intérieur" (aka "Inside"). That film is - hands down - one of the most forceful, shocking, astounding, and nightmarish horror flicks ever made. It is also why I have been and will continue following these directors in whatever they do, even though thus far they were never able to repeat the brilliance of their debut. "Aux Yeux des Vivants" (aka "Among the Living") is another authentically raw and disturbing effort, and their Hollywood ventures "Leatherface" and "The Deep House" are more than adequate, but the true genius of "À L'intérieur" has yet to be equaled.
"Le Mangeur d'Âmes" (aka "The Soul Eater") certainly isn't a masterpiece, neither, but nevertheless another professionally made, compelling, suspenseful, and frequently unsettling thriller worth seeking out. The main difference between this movie and Bustillo & Maury's previous films (except "Leatherface") is that they are not working from a screenplay they wrote themselves, but from a novel adaptation. It's also more of a murder mystery and thriller instead of a genuine shock-horror film, but rest assured there still a handful of nauseating moments to enjoy.
When the gruesome death of a married couple in a remote little French mountain town seems somehow connected to a series of unsolved children's disappearance cases, two different police superiors are sent in to investigate. The embittered Elizabeth Guardiano must try and understand the couple's bizarre death, while gendarme Franck de Roland is obsessively searching for answers regarding the missing children. In the creepy town, where nobody really wants to cooperate and where more strange things have happened lately, there exists an old folklore tale about a horned creature that feeds on children's souls. But, surely, two mature police officers can't believe local legends, right?
"The Soul Eater" is not highly original, but the story contains a couple of unforeseen twists (one of which funnily reminded me of the recent "Cocaine Bear") and there are many vile supportive characters to keep the suspense at a high level. Bustillo & Maury once again prove themselves masters in using the ominous French landscapes and old buildings to keep you fascinated, and the excellent cast (particularly the amazing Virginie Ledoyen) give away dedicated performances. I can understand why some people refer to "The Soul Eater" as a standard and forgettable type of thriller, but I think there are plenty of reasons to enjoy it.
