Dir. Jim Mickle | Now Streaming On: Tubi | Rating: 4/5

We Are What We Are is a stylish and haunting take on the power of tradition. This film has all the pieces I love in a horror story – detailed female leads, dark religious undertones, and the classic “good for her” jaw drop ending. This is an American remake of a 2010 Mexican horror film Somos Lo Que Hay, but interestingly swaps the genders of the main cast. Alfredo and Julian become Iris and Rose, Sabina becomes Rory, Mom becomes Dad. The change from a masculine to feminine perspective in this remake gives We Are What We Are a stylistic edginess you can’t ignore. ⁠
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This story relies on a major plot point that is revealed about a quarter of the way through the movie. If you’re a fan of this subgenre, you’ll be able to tell what’s coming from the very first scene. Even if you aren’t super familiar, you still might be able to catch on. I don’t want to spoil anything so I can’t share the exact name of the subgenre, but just know this is a gory one and not recommended for those with a weak stomach. ⁠
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What stands out for me is the tactful reframing of violence from the point of view of both Iris and Rose. We watch the sisters shake themselves free of the shackles of their violent traditions and reclaim these actions to protect themselves in the climax of the story. The violence is also symbolic of the facets of sexuality and feminine power, as Rose and Iris come to terms with young womanhood and the responsibility they hold as a member of the Parker family. ⁠
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I would have loved to see more diversity in the casting and a bit of a tighter ending, as we do get a bit off the rails in the last twenty minutes. We Are What We Are is also not particularly scary, but does leave you with an unsettling disturbance in your gut. Without these flaws, this would’ve been a 5 out of 5 in my book. This is gorgeous to look at with poignant storytelling – absolutely worth the watch. ⁠
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Know Before You Watch: Features blood, nudity, sex, death, cannibalism. ⁠