Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Soul Eater’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Soul Eater’.
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It really is quite fascinating what is happening in the world of horror right now. Because more and more, the monsters of old are taking a back seat in the genre. Which seems shocking but think about it for a second. For the zombies that once ruled the cities of the world in horror stories, are now the secondary characters and something more of a nuisance than anything else. Whereas vampires, and werewolves and all the other classic monsters in the genre are enjoying tribute stories and/or remakes and reboots of their journeys to give them license, since they are also passengers in most modern horror stories, and the grand question is… why?

Why are the classic monsters being denied agency and the spotlight for the moment in the very genre they helped to create? Well, the answer to such a question is simple. In that, the many creatives working in the genre have discovered the wonder of exploring the worst monster of all, mankind. For we can be rotten and cruel beings, who use stories and lies to justify our actions. Not to mention, some of us think little of others and do not cherish life in the slightest, and that’s terrifying for certain, and worth exploring. To open our eyes to the ugliness we exhibit in an effort to create change and that’s why a new horror film on the digital marketplace is if note, since The Soul Eater, has much to say about the monsters we can be.

A feat that this film accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of hot shot investigators named Elizabeth and Franck, who while polarizing opposites personality wise, are forced to work the same case. For in a small town nestled in the hills, a mother and a father brutally attacked one another. Not to mention, children have gone missing from this place often, making it clear that this town is mired in something sinister. In fact, it doesn’t take long for this duo to learn that there is a strong belief that a local legend, known as the Soul Eater, has come to feed upon people in this town. A revelation that rocks our heroes to their core since there’s no chance that a monster can be real in 2024. But as they dig deeper, it becomes clear that something evil is alive and well in this town. The only question is what is driving the darkness, and what they find… will change their outlook on life.

Which is… a wonderful way to explore that central theme of how we are the absolute worst. Because it is indeed people causing trouble in this story and they use the story of the Soul Eater to move about in the shadows, but it is the actions present here by the villain of the story that matters more. Since they do showcase the darkness we carry, how willing we are to disregard others’ well-being when we can get ahead and how power can corrupt. Which makes for an ugly story really. One that truly ponders upon the worst parts of us, and how hard it is for us to let go of that power when it becomes beneficial. But while that alone is fascinating, we also need to point out how the cover story of the Soul Eater adds unique depth to this story.

Simply because… it also speaks to how in modern times… people are quick to hide behind stories when bad things happen. After all, conspiracy theories run rampant in the world right now, and so many are believing the lies of dark and dumb individuals who are eager to tell them to gain power. All of which speaks to how… there is a collective shock in this world. One that revolves around how there is evil in this world, and that it is thriving, and it is supremely difficult for so many to process the evil and the chaos. So, we instead turn to stories and fables, and utter nonsense to cope with the darkness that surrounds us. Which is a fascinating element to inject into this story, but welcome… since it adds to what is… a bleak and tragic tale.

One that really plunges us into the underbelly of humanity and showcases how darkness really does create a ripple effect in the sea that is mankind, and that makes for a must-see horror feature. Because you can never go wrong with a horror story that features incredible depth, and scares that we can relate to. Because that helps us to process the world we sometimes don’t understand, and what’s nice is that this twisted tale also harbors something for everyone horror wise. Since it does feature some solid, moody scares that are unsettling. Not to mention, there is gore present here, and it is impactful and well, all of these elements create a powerful and tragic tale. One that informs us that we can expect more films in this vein, since human beings truly are far more terrifying than a walking corpse or a wolf hybrid, courtesy of our ability to choose harm over good.

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