A Feast of Man

A Feast of Man is a darkly comedic yet disquietingly thrilling narrative from 2017 that exposes the vitals of the twisted upper crust of society. It is directed by Caroline Golum and features an ensemble cast consisting of Laurence Bond, Marleigh Dunlap, and Zach Fleming among others.

The movie is a clever amalgamation of mystery, intrigue, humor, and the grotesque that hinges on the values (or lack thereof) of a group of semi-estranged, money-hungry "friends." It begins with the sudden passing of an eccentric billionaire named Gallagher, who was infamous for his outrageous shenanigans and whopping inheritance. However, just when you think his exit from the mortal world will be his last extravagant act, Gallagher leaves an intriguing will as his final masterstroke. His will instigates the central premise of the movie - the promise of his entire fortune to his chosen group of friends, under one morbidly fascinating and peculiar condition—they must consume his dead body.

The estranged friends, drawn together by the will’s ludicrous demand and their avarice, consist of a collection of caricatures pulled straight from Manhattan's elite class bells. The group is an eclectic blend of easily unlikeable, yet strangely captivating individuals who strive to appear polished and sophisticated but are fundamentally driven by self-serving motives. Our leading actors Laurence Bond, Marleigh Dunlap, and Zach Fleming, each portray their characters with a remarkable sense of authenticity that makes the plots unfolding both chilling and highly entertaining.

Laurence Bond portrays James, a fixture of the elite society. He masterfully captures the dual facets of the character's snobbish exterior and conniving interior. Marleigh Dunlap, on the other hand, plays socialite Carrie, who hides her opportunistic nature under a veneer of charm and elegance; whereas Zach Fleming’s depiction of Parker, a no-nonsense attorney who is equal parts skeptic and intrigue, adds a refreshing counterpoint to the ludicrous proceedings.

A Feast of Man is more than a study of personal greed and moral turpitude; it’s also a biting satire of the Upper East Side elite, exploring the thin veneer of civility glossing over their grotesque moral bankruptcy. The movie basks in its eccentricity, confidently balancing its oddball humor with disturbing realism.

The cinematography by James Parsons evokes a palpable sense of unease and anticipation while suffusing a darkly comic tonality into the scenes. It captures the palatial estate's sprawling opulence and contrasts it well with the very human avarice and macabre unfolding amid the grandeur. The production design is noteworthy, replicating the decadence of Manhattan's elite, with rich textures and dense colors that lend a fitting backdrop to the intriguing narrative.

Adding to the cinematic experience is the film's haunting and darkly amused score by Ted Robinson. It underlines the movie's unflinchingly bizarre and sinister premise. The director, Golum, handles the project with an assured knack for comic timing and manages to intertwine potent moments of suspense and escalating tension into a quirky narrative that will keep the audience on their toes.

Golum uses the ensemble cast to brilliant effect, with each actor contributing to the escalating whirlwind of greed and paranoia. As an audience, we share in their incredulous attitudes, their growing determination, and their slowly dawning realization of the horrors they're committing—all for the promise of wealth.

A Feast of Man stands out for its unique story, captivating performances, and intriguing exploration of greed's lengths, all woven with an unconventional humor that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The movie does not shy away from its uncanny theme and embraces its idiosyncrasies, portraying an off-beat, farcical yet ominously grim plot with finesse and style.

With intense performances, suspenseful direction, and a unique storyline, A Feast of Man is a must-watch for fans of an off-beat, humorous, and thought-provoking cinema. This film guarantees an unforgettable experience, chilling you to your bones while making you laugh at its sheer audacity. It serves as a potent reminder of greed's extremes and the absurd lengths that people will go for wealth. A delectable blend of fear, humor, and moral contemplation, A Feast of Man is a cinematic experience that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.