‘Hungry’ is Ridiculous Fun!
The creativity of horror films never ceases to amaze me. There are no bounds to what can be flipped into a scary story, with enough imagination and a dream of what could be in a different world. I remember when the Winnie the Pooh horror movie was first announced, I was dumbstruck at the sheer possibility of what that film could be. And now we have not just one film, but an entire shared universe of films that draw quite a bit from classic Disney films. A concept that was originally developed for children became something for adults who enjoy thrills and chills. Something that was innocent became anything but. Which brings us to Hungry, the latest film from Aura Entertainment.
While it’s never stated anywhere that this is an adaptation of or has anything to do with the board game (which is understandable because of copyright), Hungry is exactly the horror film you’re thinking of. A giant-ass hippo that is angry as all hell, which becomes a select few’s biggest problem. Written and directed by James Nunn, this survival horror film proves that some adaptations are worth watching. With an engaging story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and characters that you’re actually rooting for, Hungry is a perfect example of how horror can be fun again.
Is this film going to be for everyone? Definitely not. But those who love horror, such as myself, will enjoy the campiness of a film like this, as well as the absolute ride Hungry takes you on from start to finish.
[Warning: spoilers from Hungry are below!]
It’s a bad day for a jungle cruise
Sistine (Madison Davenport) is having a rough time. While she’s attempting to have a good time with her best friend Hannah (Olivia Bernstone) in New Orleans, her life seems to be falling apart. Being fired from her job while on her trip is a devastating blow, but hey, perhaps something good is waiting just around the corner. At least, that’s what Hannah’s take on the situation is, booking the two of them on a swamp tour in hopes that some alligators might just brighten Sistine’s day.
Hungover, but not dampening their spirits, these two meet with Rodrigo (Michel Curiel), their tour guide for the day, who is eager to please all those who step onto his boat. From Sally (Samantha Coughlan), who arrives with her father, Tim (Jim Meskimen), and her moody teenage son, Mikey (River Codack), to business-savvy Dionne (Tracey Bonner), Rodrigo’s goal is to make this the best experience for all present. However, it’s the final member of the boat, Dionne, who throws a wrench in the entire adventure.
Desperate to connect with her step-children, she needs to see the biggest alligator possible, which is definitely not on the traditional swamp tour. A few miles off course, this group drives straight into some trouble, although not from the alligators themselves, but one very large and incredibly angry hippo. As they become stranded, surrounded by water and unable to see the danger lurking, can this group survive the night? Or are they destined to become the next snack for this hungry, hungry herbivore?
Where Hungry shines
I’ll be completely honest, I can’t say I was expecting much when Hungry first came across my email, but I also didn’t need it to be something spectacular to enjoy it. In my teenage years, my sister and I would watch plenty of B-flick horror films that weren’t technically great but were still fun to watch. We’d pop ourselves a gigantic bowl of popcorn and settle in for a night of good laughs and questionable horror. So when a film that puts a horror twist on a children’s game falls into my lap, that seems right up my B-flick-loving heart’s alley.
So, as I loaded up the film, I anticipated a movie bleeding cheesiness in every aspect. Bad CGI, a story that is barely held together with bubblegum and duct tape, and gratuitous kills that make you hide your face. However, what I received instead from Hungry was a solid horror film that deserves way more recognition than it’s currently getting.
The premise itself is simple: a group of people is stranded in the wilderness and forced to survive against one of nature’s greatest predators. They’re removed from the outside world, and all they can rely on is each other. We’ve seen this subgenre of horror play out more times than I can even count, but within that small group, Hungry stands out. Truly, it’s all the pieces that come together to make this film special. The writing is better than good, with a script that blends humor into the horror, which is a sign of great horror. If you’re able to have a good chuckle because of the writing and not because of how silly what’s happening on screen is, that’s an automatic win.
But also, visually, the story had an impact. Hungry felt more like an arthouse film instead of a B-flick. The way the film is shot speaks to another level of artistry, with a love for the genre felt on and off the screen. The CGI is also among the best I’ve seen in a horror film, which speaks volumes. There weren’t moments in the film that pulled me out of the story because it looked odd or bad in any way. Instead, you almost felt like the hippo was cuddly enough to warrant some pets, before it bites your arm off.
Final thoughts on this Aura Entertainment film
Hungry is one of those films that takes you by surprise. You go in thinking that it’s going to feel like a low-budget film, and instead walk out feeling satisfied by the quality this horror film brings. Hungry is genuinely enjoyable as one of the better survival-horror films out there. Fans of horror should embrace this film, as it reminds you that horror can be fun, and that scares don’t have to be grotesque.
Hungry is currently available on demand! Are you excited to check out this film? Have you already seen it? Let us know what you thought on social media and tag @bsb.insider to continue the conversation!
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