Devour by Jennie Kermode
The opening salvo of this cinematic experience immediately sets a tone that is anything but gentle. Narrator Jerry (Gus Langley) delivers a blunt assessment, declaring, “I’ve seen a thousand years of mankind’s bullshit.” This cynical observation hangs in the air over a loud, explosive montage of the US Civil War, suggesting a weary perspective on history itself.
The question then arises: is that perspective sufficient? The narrative immediately challenges the viewer, implying that a millennium of human folly might not be enough preparation for what is about to unfold on screen. The film demands more than just historical context; it seeks something raw and visceral.
The intensity ramps up swiftly. If the historical context doesn’t hook the audience, the film pivots to entirely disorienting visual sequences. Jerry’s journey takes a sudden, chaotic turn as he tumbles down a waterfall, executed with the shaky, unpredictable quality of a poorly rendered video game character. The camera work shifts violently, moving through point-of-view perspectives before abruptly snapping through four jarring changes in position, offering nothing cohesive to settle the visual chaos.
This jarring visual incoherence is presented as a deliberate choice, a signature of the film’s creator. It is through this fractured perspective that the source of the mayhem is revealed: the film was generated by ‘artificial intelligence’. This use of AI is not merely a gimmick; it feeds into a broader cultural context, tapping into the very modern frustration and humor that define our digital playground.
The irony is palpable. The phrase ‘artificial intelligence’ is often used as an insult among children, a playful jab exchanged in the schoolyard. Yet, in this context, it forces a heavier reflection. The chaotic, unpredictable nature of the visuals mirrors the unsettling reality of the technology itself.
The experience ultimately pushes the viewer to confront the content. Despite the barrage of chaotic imagery and the underlying thematic weight, there is little room for easy laughter. The narrative promises a powerful, if unsettling, encounter, offering gifts from the script—perhaps the unexpected element of a ‘vampire’—but demanding the audience engage with the film’s core without comfort.
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