Le mangeur d'âmes

Le Mangeur D'Âmes (or The Soul Eater for the English title) is a French mystery/thriller of good quality, but not really a horror movie like it's also categorized on here. Sure there is a creepy mask but that's about it concerning horror. The most positive thing about The Soul Eater is that there is a good mysterious vibe to it, which keeps you guessing. It's entertaining and interesting to follow. A well written story. The acting was also more than decent, and that from the entire cast. The Soul Eater is certainly worth watching if you like this genre of movies. A good crime/mystery/thriller.

Yeah, this is definitely not my kind of 'Horror' film. I tend to like the more 'Entertaining' type of Horror stories. But, I must admit that this one is indeed very well made, and if you are one who likes the darker, more 'Reality' based Horror movies, ones that are more involved with the 'Evil that men do', then you may find this one interesting.

I don't want to give away the major 'Misdirection' in this film (as others have stupidly done here in some reviews) but, although it may not be quite what you are expecting as to the real key of what is going on, still, the way it is made and the way it is well directed is very effective in building a very strong Mystery/Thriller and a definite sense of unease...

Like I say, when you get to the end depending on your sensitivities, you might feel like, 'Oh... that is rather unpleasant', but at least the way it is done does not overly dwell on this aspect once it is revealed.

So, what you have here is a very well crafted, rather Dark, Mystery/Thriller that effectively packs a punch. Just don't expect to feel particularly uplifted afterwards.

Le Manguer D'ames (The Soul Eater) is probably one of the interesting movies of this year. The story takes place in a spooky little town which is located around a region where, strangely, small children are disappearing. Franck (Paul Hamy) and Elisabeth (Virginie Ledoyen) arrive at this little town where gruesome murders take place. The story is really cool, and it reminds me of the atmosphere of Les Rivieres Pourpes (Crimson Rivers). At the same time, the local folklore and legends remind Der Pass (Pagan Peak). There is a surprising ending, and it is not easy to guess it. I advise everyone to watch this movie. I wish they made a TV series based on this movie. I would definitely watch it. I give 8 over 10.

OK there're clichés (the two cops who first do not get on well, but eventually team up when they realize that their affairs are tied ) and enough plot holes to fill the Albert Hall ....

But the excellent cast (Virgine Le Doyen , true to herself ,Paul Hamy, even Sandrine Bonnaire in a supporting part) the splendid (but sometimes maleficent ) landscapes and a threatening atmosphere make up for it ; this self-destructing attitude may remind you of an old American movie ("Impulse " 1984; the reason why they are agressive is more or less the same)

The story of the bogeyman is not new , used in so many films you can't count them all ("Hallowe'en "for instance );and one can wonder why on the rooms in the disused sanitarium the names are written in English (?) ;besides ,the part of Malik Zidi (who was an excellent Jacques Thibault in the "les Thibault " miniseries )should have been more developed ;his final intervention comes at the most awkward moment .

That said ,in spite of too many unlikelihoods , it's a gripping thriller, with enough unexpected twists to satisfy the audience and the final picture is a good idea ,keeping some of the mystery intact.

I do prefer a long-haired Le Doyen!

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.