Eat Locals Review: Jason Flemyng switches from acting to directing in vampire comedy Eat Locals.
Eat Locals Review
Jason Flemyng, is a man most recognisable for his on screen appearances as Tom in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and Azazel in X-Men: First Class. The famed character actor, is a regular collaborator of both Matthew Vaughn and Guy Ritchie, and has built up an impressive repertoire of acting credits over the past two decades. Now, Flemyng has decided to try his own hand at directing with the ultra-low budget, British vampire flick, Eat Locals.
British horror has a very chequered history in the film industry, which often makes it extremely difficult to predict. Occasionally, this results in a pleasantly surprising gem. But, for every Shaun of the Dead, there are always two Lesbian Vampire Killers‘. Where does Eat Locals fall on this spectrum? Well, the end result of this remarkably talented production is dispassionately bland, and middle-of-the-road.
Flemyng is clearly keen to stretch his muscles behind the camera, and has called in every favour in the book to get this film made. For that, the man should be commended. Few aspiring actor-turned-director’s would be able to inject such style and talent, into such an uninspired script. The film revolves around a group of eight vampires meeting for their semi-centennial gathering, before they are ambushed by a military unit hell bent on wiping them out before sunrise. The night then quickly turns into a brutal fight for survival between the living, and the dead. As you can imagine, this leads to a series of comically cartoonish murders and bloody escapades.
Eat Locals Review
The impressive cast that Flemyng has assembled are undeniably entertaining. Despite the fact that they are all anchored down by a weak, unconvincing lead in Billy Cook. Cook plays Sebastian, a young cockney man with an attitude, and a penchant for older women. Unfortunately, it appears that the script is under the impression Cook is far more charming and likeable than he actually is. The reality however, is far more reminiscent of a half-baked Eggsy impression from Kingsman: The Secret Service.
Thankfully, Eat Local‘s star studded supporting cast still manage to justify at least one viewing of the indie-production. Eve Myles (Torchwood, Doctor Who), and Tony Curran (Underworld: Evolution) easily steal the show, and are clearly having a great time. Charlie Cox appears to have dropped his american accent and stepped straight off the set of Marvel’s Daredevil, as the sympathetic and charming non-human feeder of the group. But, he is still granted a few short moments of genuine menace and violence.
Eat Locals Review
Viewers are occasionally treated to a few glimpses of noir-influenced visuals, and politically relevant dialogue. But, ultimately Eat Locals is a vehicle for Flemyng to practice his skills as a potential future full-time film maker. The ambition here is admirable, and the cast is full of fan favourites. However, the final product doesn’t present itself as anything more than a guilty pleasure for the Lost Boys generation looking to kill some time. Even with Charlie Cox’ magnificent beard, this an entertaining but forgettable entry to the vampire genre.
Eat Locals review by Ben Read, August 2017.
Eat Locals is currently playing as part of the Horror Channel Frighfest 2017 programme.
