Jack Clark and Jim Weir’s Birdeater is an intriguing entry into the Australian horror scene, attempting to weave a tapestry of psychological tension amidst the backdrop of a bachelor party gone terribly wrong. The premise is straight forward—a cocktail of bad decisions, simmering tensions, and an echo chamber of toxic masculinity, making for an unsettling slow-burn thriller that promises to leave its audience teetering on the edge of their seats. However, while the concept is ripe with potential, the execution leaves something to be desired.
The film introduces us to Louie (Mackenzie Fearnley), his fiancée Irene (Shabana Azeez), and a motley crew of friends and frenemies, including the unpredictable Dylan (Ben Hunter), the laid-back Murph (Alfie Gledhill), and the enigmatic Sam (Harley Wilson), an old flame of Irene’s with a complicated history within the group. The dynamic is ripe for drama, and the film teases the unraveling of both personal and collective psyches under the influence of beer, and drugs, and bad vibes. This setup promises an exploration of the dark underbelly of relationships and masculinity, with the titular “Birdeater” serving as a metaphor for the destructive forces at play.
“A chaotic descent into madness that is both hypnotic and haunting.”
However, the major drawback of Birdeater is its pacing. The film takes its sweet time getting to the meat of the story, with the first hour meandering through setup without significant payoff. This slow burn might have been forgivable if the buildup led to a more explosive climax, but instead, it risks losing the audience before the real action begins. Once the film does shift gears, it offers a glimpse of what could have been—a chaotic descent into madness that is both hypnotic and haunting.
On the positive side, the performances are noteworthy, with the actors managing to breathe life into their characters despite the Mumblecore limitations. The tension between Sam and the rest of the group, particularly with Louie and Irene, is palpable, creating an atmosphere of unease that permeates the film. The cinematography and direction also deserve a nod, capturing the claustrophobic and hallucinatory feel of the party gone wrong with a keen eye for detail.
Birdeater is a film of contrasts. Its ambitious premise and psychological underpinnings show a glimpse of what Australian horror can offer, but its execution—hampered by a sluggish first act—left me wanting more. For those with the patience to sit through the initial buildup, the latter half of the movie provides a chaotic, albeit brief, payoff. However, for many, it may take too long to show its teeth, making it a difficult sell for those looking for immediate thrills or a more consistently engaging narrative.
Jack Clark and Jim Weir’s Birdeater celebrated its International Premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival in somewhat of a Bad Bachelor Party double feature, playing in close proximity to Hunting Daze (full review HERE). Let us know if you’re excited to see this slow-burn thriller and share your own bachelor party nightmares with us in the Nightmare on Film Street discord!
