They’ve been hiding out for ten years, but now a group of murderous cannibals are back. Lookout if you’re in Maine. Author Jack Ketchum’s novel is turned into a bloody mess but it’s not much of a movie unless you’re into gore.
In Dead River, Maine a brutal killing brings the local authorities to the door of former police officer George Peters (Art Hindle) as he investigated similar killings a decade ago. Meanwhile David (Andrew Elvis Miller), Amy (Amy Hargreaves), and their infant daughter are expecting a visit from their friend Claire (Ahna Tessler) and her son Luke (Tommy Nelson).
Clair is going through a messy divorce and the couple is horrified to learn that her violent husband Stephen (Erick Kastel) is driving to their house to “talk” with his soon to be ex-wife. Their worries prove unfounded since their house is attacked by the group of cannibals that was responsible for the murders that Peters is investigating.
These cannibals have spent far too much time watching The Road Warrior. They certainly dress like the feral kid that appears in that flick. Though they are a bit more babyfaced than that kid. The actions of the cannibals are pretty vile, ranging from infanticide to slurping up guts like spaghetti. It’s a gorehound’s delight, but there’s not much of a story.
The production values are pretty low, with some of the cannibal’s costumes looking like they came from your local Halloween boutique. Not much character development or explanation is given to the cannibals. It appears that they’ve been unheard of in Dead River for ten years.
You’d think with their marauding ways that local authorities from up and down the coastline would’ve been on the hunt for this bloody band. If you’re into gore then you may find something to love in The Offspring, but it sacrifices story and character development to show you some vile stuff and that does not a good movie make.
You do have Jack Ketchum in a cameo as the crime scene investigator in the opening murder so be on the lookout for him. There’s not much tension otherwise and the film didn’t do much for me.
The Offspring is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.78:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Special features include a commentary with author Jack Ketchum, director/producer Andrew van der Houton, and producer/cinematographer William M. Miller.
Next are the 20 minute “Progeny: the making of the Offspring,” the 3 minute “First Stolen’s Bailout” where the actor is thrown in jail and the production has to bail him out, 8 webisodes, the 3 minute “Ghost House Micro Videos,” the 2 minute trailer, photo gallery, the printable script on DVD-ROM, and previews of other Lionsgate titles.
The Offspring is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
Your Talkback on this Story