Fantasia International Film Festival (FIFF) – Writer/director Perry Blackshear’s When I Consume You is not your average revenge film. Not only does it feature a soul-sucking demon, but it’s anchored by a heartfelt relationship between siblings. They help each other survive and overcome past trauma. Their story provides realism and a grounded narrative that should appeal to horror and non-horror fans alike.

Daphne (Libby Ewing) and Wilson Shaw (Evan Dumouchel) just want to live normal lives. More specifically, she wants to adopt a child, and he wants to land a job as a teacher, despite only having completed a year of college. Yet, past trauma prevents them from moving on. Daphne struggles with outbursts of anger and sobriety, while her bro is so timid that he spends most of his free time playing Magic the Gathering and watering his “Fellowship of the Plants.” He also has panic attacks frequently. The source of their trauma comes from a demon Daphne first encountered when they were kids that she’s spent years trying to protect her brother from.

The narrative arc is outstanding. Daphne and Wilson are layered characters with a strong bond, their own baggage, and their own likable qualities. Watching Wilson evolve into a self-assured fighter is a great arc. Further, watching Daphne learn to release her anger is just as satisfying.

While the first half of the film has the feel of an indie drama, the supernatural elements surprisingly work once they occur. The demon initially takes the form of a hooded stalker who finds Daphne and then Wilson. But when the creature appears in the flesh, played by David Castille, it works so well and adds dimension to the monster. Castille poses as a cop who meets Wilson in an alley and claims that his wife left him so he needs a drink. There’s an odd sort of merriment to Castille’s character before he shifts into a fiendish soul sucker. Castille’s first minutes add levity to an otherwise serious story.

Overall, When I Consume You contains a winning drama at its core. It’s not a revenge film with a high body count. It’s about overcoming whatever past issues we have and ensuring they don’t devour us to the point we’re unable to function and live in the present. Yes, there’s a demon, but at the center of this film lies an endearing relationship between siblings who help each other survive. It’s a beautiful story shot in the streets and alleys of NYC, grounding it with a sense of realism despite the yellow-eyed monster.

This film will screen as part of the Fantasia International Film Festival, happening August 5-25.

8 Out of 10