“We Are What We Are,” in both its original Mexican and American adaptations, is fundamentally about the corrosive nature of inherited trauma and the lengths to which families will go to maintain tradition, even when that tradition is rooted in unspeakable horror. It explores the themes of familial loyalty, religious fanaticism, and the desperate measures taken to survive in a world that refuses to understand.
Decoding the Depths of “We Are What We Are”
The film’s power lies in its slow burn, its deliberate pacing, and its unsettling ambiguity. It doesn’t offer easy answers or simplistic moral judgments. Instead, it forces the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the ways in which societal pressures can warp even the strongest familial bonds. The narrative, stripped bare of sensationalism, emphasizes the psychological toll of living under the shadow of a horrific secret. We witness the gradual unraveling of a family burdened by a ritualistic past, a past that ultimately defines and destroys their present. The core of the film is the burden of legacy and the impossible choice between preserving tradition and embracing humanity.
The film isn’t simply about cannibalism; it’s about the perpetuation of cycles of violence and the way marginalized communities can internalize and perpetuate their own oppression. The poverty and isolation of the families depicted create an environment where desperate measures become normalized, and where the line between right and wrong becomes blurred beyond recognition. It’s a chilling exploration of how extreme circumstances can push ordinary people to commit extraordinary acts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Understanding the Core Themes
FAQ 1: What is the significance of the title, “We Are What We Are”?
The title is deliberately ambiguous, functioning on several levels. First, it speaks to the inescapable inheritance of family history. The characters are defined by their ancestors’ actions and are compelled to repeat them. Second, it acknowledges the brutal reality of their survival: they are forced to consume human flesh, making them, in a literal sense, what they eat. Finally, it serves as a justification, a resigned acceptance of their fate. They are “what they are” because they believe they have no other choice.
FAQ 2: How does religion play a role in the film’s narrative?
Religion serves as a powerful justification for the family’s horrifying actions. It’s not just a superficial faith but a deeply ingrained, twisted interpretation of religious doctrine. They believe they are acting in accordance with a higher power, fulfilling a divine mandate. This religious fanaticism provides them with a warped sense of morality and allows them to rationalize their cannibalistic practices. The scripture reading scenes, often juxtaposed with the preparation of human flesh, highlight the disturbing dissonance between their supposed faith and their actions.
FAQ 3: What is the difference between the Mexican original and the American remake?
While both films share the same core premise, there are key differences. The original Mexican film, “Somos Lo Que Hay,” focuses on the economic realities of the family and their struggle for survival in a poverty-stricken urban environment. The American remake, “We Are What We Are,” shifts the focus to a more rural setting and emphasizes the religious aspect of the cannibalistic tradition. It also introduces a sheriff investigating disappearances, adding a more overt thriller element. While both are effective, they offer different perspectives on the same disturbing subject matter. The Mexican version feels more visceral and desperate, while the American version is more atmospheric and suspenseful.
Analyzing the Characters and their Motivations
FAQ 4: Why do the children participate in the cannibalistic rituals?
The children participate primarily out of fear and loyalty to their family. They are indoctrinated from a young age, taught to believe that this is the only way to survive and to honor their ancestors. The film highlights the vulnerability of children and the ease with which they can be manipulated by authority figures, particularly within a closed and isolated family unit. The lack of external influence and the constant threat of violence ensure their compliance.
FAQ 5: Is there any possibility of redemption for the characters?
Redemption is a complex and arguably absent concept in this film. While some characters, particularly the daughters, may exhibit moments of doubt and questioning, they ultimately remain trapped by their circumstances and their ingrained beliefs. The cycle of violence is so deeply entrenched that escape seems impossible. The ending, often left ambiguous, suggests that the cycle will continue, albeit perhaps with a slight shift in power dynamics. The film is more interested in exploring the limits of human endurance than offering hope for salvation.
FAQ 6: What does the mother figure represent in both films?
The mother figure, or her absence, is central to the film’s narrative. In both versions, the death of the mother figure precipitates a crisis within the family, as the remaining members struggle to maintain the tradition without her guidance. She represents the keeper of the ritual, the one who knows how to prepare the “meals” and maintain order. Her death exposes the fragility of the family’s structure and forces the children to confront the horrifying reality of their situation.
Exploring the Film’s Symbolism and Allegory
FAQ 7: What are some of the recurring symbols in the film?
Several recurring symbols contribute to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The red meat itself symbolizes the primal nature of their survival and the dehumanization of their victims. The stormy weather often foreshadows moments of violence and emotional turmoil. The isolated setting represents the family’s detachment from mainstream society and their inability to escape their inherited fate. The old family recipe book embodies the weight of tradition and the power of the past to control the present.
FAQ 8: Is the film an allegory for anything specific?
The film can be interpreted as an allegory for various forms of oppression and exploitation. It can be seen as a commentary on economic inequality, the way marginalized communities are forced to survive by any means necessary. It can also be interpreted as an allegory for the dangers of religious extremism and the way faith can be twisted to justify horrific acts. Ultimately, the film’s allegorical meaning is open to interpretation, depending on the viewer’s own experiences and perspectives.
Analyzing Production and Interpretation
FAQ 9: How did the director use cinematography and sound design to create the film’s atmosphere?
Both films employ a slow, deliberate pacing and a muted color palette to create a sense of unease and dread. The cinematography often focuses on close-ups of the characters’ faces, emphasizing their emotional turmoil and the weight of their secret. The sound design is equally important, utilizing ambient sounds and unsettling music to build tension and create a sense of impending doom. The use of silence is also crucial, allowing the viewer to fill in the gaps and imagine the unspeakable horrors that are taking place off-screen.
FAQ 10: What makes “We Are What We Are” a compelling horror film, despite its lack of jump scares?
The film’s horror lies not in cheap thrills but in its psychological depth and its exploration of taboo subjects. It taps into our deepest fears about family secrets, societal pressures, and the darkness that lurks within human nature. The slow burn and the lack of explicit gore allow the viewer’s imagination to run wild, creating a far more disturbing and lasting impression. It’s a horror film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
FAQ 11: What are some similar films that explore similar themes?
Films that explore similar themes of familial dysfunction, survival in extreme circumstances, and the perpetuation of violence include “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (for its depiction of a cannibalistic family), “Antichrist” (for its exploration of grief and madness), and “The Witch” (for its portrayal of religious fanaticism and its impact on a family).
FAQ 12: What is the lasting impact of “We Are What We Are” on the horror genre?
“We Are What We Are” stands out as a sophisticated and thought-provoking horror film that prioritizes atmosphere and psychological depth over cheap thrills. It demonstrates the power of restraint and the effectiveness of suggestion in creating a truly unsettling and memorable experience. Its influence can be seen in other recent horror films that explore similar themes of family trauma and societal decay. It has contributed to a shift in the horror genre towards more character-driven narratives and a greater emphasis on psychological realism.