Published in: Short Film Reviews

Short Film Review “Dead Meat”

Author OneFilmFan

Published on: June 4, 2016

WATCH THE FILM HERE

First, the Recap:

We’ve all had those moments where we’ve either believed in, or simply charged forward with, the notion “I’d do anything to get ahead”. When there’s a goal to be obtained, yet obstacles seem to keep rearing their ugly head, the frustration and desperation can kick in.  So, the real question then comes to bear–if given a method to attain greatness and, taking it strictly at face value, it guarantees success–would you go for it? Chef Mitch Stockridge (Dennis Friebe) is facing such a dilemma as he offers up his newest creative cuisine to local food critic Sandy Morris (Rita Manyette) and her fellow critic (Janice Fisher). Needless to say, the reaction he receives is less than complimentary.

Raging inside, desiring to do nothing but reach perfection and quality reviews for the niche market his restaurant is in, and accepting no true solace from girlfriend Allison (Leslie Danielsen), things take a rather abrupt turn when he meets a young girl (Sarah Alexandria) at the grocery store. Very excitedly offering Mitch a supposedly worry-free and hyper-successful solution to his culinary quandary, she sends him off to try out the mystery gift. Utilizing the seasoning on another test dish for Sandy, his shock and elation at her enraptured response prompts him to find out from his mystery, but soon revealed benefactor, what exactly he’s been provided. However, once known, Mitch faces even bigger decisions about himself and the well-being, or not, of his clientele.

Next, my Mind:

A darkly comedic, strangely disturbing, solidly clever, and boldly cautionary tale, writer/director/co-producer F.C. Rabbath’s 7-minute ode to the concept of “really be careful what you wish for” delivers the goods, and honestly redefines the fantasy/subdued horror/comedy genre, even if in subtle ways. Thanks to its briskly paced execution, the mood and tone of the effort is engaging. By the finale, it leaves the viewer very much wondering if we’re going to end up hearing about Mitch on the evening news one day–in not such a good way! Additionally, the smooth visuals, extremely fun performances from the cast, and the film’s overall intent simply makes it evident again that so much can be conveyed in succinct form without losing any sense of completeness for the audience.

Friebe is completely wonderful as Mitch, able to so accurately emote the character’s varying states of emotional turmoil over the course of the narrative while still just plainly showcasing a man desperate for a “win” and wanting to present his best. The look on his face when everything comes to a head so perfectly sets up the freaky possibilities to come, left to conjecture for the viewer. Manyette’s food critic is played precisely to be like every nightmare a chef doesn’t want to encounter when trying to impress, but likewise is then humorously over-the-top when pleased with what Mitch is offering, and one can tell Manyette relished this role. Alexandria is an absolute riot as Mitch’s food muse, exuding the character’s overtly excitable joy over offering him assistance, yet so blatantly belittling him when he begins to flounder at the choice he’s made.

Fine supporting turns by Danielsen, Fisher, and Stephen McQuaig round out the project, and in total, “Dead Meat” is another worthy illustration of the fun, quality, and very grounded level of entertainment found within the independent film arena, and why the genre and it’s creators need the support and recognition that they rightly deserve.

As always, this is all for your consideration and comment.  Until next time, thank you for reading!