Introduction
In the realm of horror cinema, not all terrors come with sudden jolts or grotesque monsters. Some creep into the bones with unsettling quietness, demanding patience before revealing their full horror. We Are What We Are (2013), directed by Jim Mickle, embodies this philosophy. It is a story less about immediate scares and more about the slow unveiling of a family secret that gnaws at both the characters and the audience.
Plot Overview
The film follows the Parker family, a reclusive clan living in rural America. After the sudden death of the mother, daughters Iris (Ambyr Childers) and Rose (Julia Garner) are forced to uphold the family’s long-standing traditions—traditions that conceal a grotesque and horrifying truth. As a relentless storm isolates them further, the Parkers’ carefully hidden rituals begin to surface, and with them, an atmosphere of inevitable dread.
Performances
- Julia Garner as Rose delivers a hauntingly vulnerable yet determined portrayal, foreshadowing the depth she would later bring to her acclaimed roles in television.
- Ambyr Childers brings a measured intensity to Iris, balancing devotion with unspoken resistance.
- The supporting cast, particularly Bill Sage as the patriarch, imbues the film with an austere menace that reinforces the chilling mood.
Atmosphere Over Shock
What distinguishes We Are What We Are is its refusal to rely on cheap thrills. Instead, Mickle constructs an atmosphere thick with foreboding. The rain-soaked cinematography, muted color palette, and deliberate pacing create a world where silence feels louder than screams. The horror arises not from what is immediately seen, but from the steady realization of what the Parkers truly are.
Themes and Symbolism
At its core, the film examines the burden of tradition and the suffocating weight of inherited belief. The Parker daughters embody the struggle between submission and liberation, a theme as timeless as it is terrifying. By grounding the horror in family dynamics, the narrative achieves resonance beyond genre conventions.
Final Verdict
We Are What We Are is not a film for those seeking relentless jump scares or gore-filled spectacle. Instead, it rewards viewers willing to embrace its deliberate rhythm and suffocating tension. It is a chilling meditation on family, faith, and the rituals that bind us—sometimes to the point of destruction.
Pros
- Atmospheric and beautifully shot.
- Compelling performances, especially from Julia Garner and Ambyr Childers.
- A fresh take on horror that values mood over shock.
Cons
- Slow pacing may alienate audiences seeking fast thrills.
- Its bleakness offers little reprieve or catharsis.
Conclusion
With its measured approach and thematic depth, We Are What We Are stands as a memorable entry in modern horror. It is less about the violence we witness and more about the horrors we inherit. For viewers who appreciate cinema that lingers long after the credits roll, this film is a feast of atmosphere—one that chills more with silence than with screams.
