A title card reading “inspired by true events” serves to open this 30-minute short from Fatal Pictures. If I weren't personally aware of some frighteningly similar events occurring in Germany in 2001, I'd think this particular story to be a little too bizarre (for lack of a better term) to have really occurred. Keep in mind that this is not a true story, but is, once again, ‘inspired' by similar events.

There are a number of interesting points regarding Consumption; first of all, the film unfolds in a relatively unique manner. I had some idea as to the subject matter, through both the title, and the poster depicting a man, covered in blood, sitting at table with a human foot on a plate in front of him. That in itself suggests a certain theme, and while you may be assuming that the film is about some form of cannibalism, there is much more to it than that, and Richard Powell's script is written in such a way that the story makes itself more clear to the audience as the film progresses. He first establishes the lead character, Professor Kubbard, then the situation, of which the details aren't particularly clear. As the film progresses, however, these details are explained and everything ends up making perfectly twisted sense, as the film builds to a wonderfully ironic conclusion.

Developing a short film is this manner is no easy feat, as you have a much more limited time frame to work with, and the fact the Powell succeeds in utilizing this structure is commendable.

As far as the actual plot is concerned, revealing any of the intricacies of the story would be doing you a disservice, as the film is best experienced as it unfolds, with as little information as possible. I've already told you it's about cannibalism… What else do you need to know, really?

Where this film really shines however, are the gore effects… they far exceeded any expectations I would have had for a film of such a small budget. They were so impressive that I cringed, and even felt a little nauseous… That, my friends, is impressive. I've seen a lot of gore in my day… and rarely do I feel the least bit queasy. The effects are fantastic.

Unfortunately, Consumption suffers from one of the more common problems of low budget film making – that problem being some relatively poor acting. It's unfortunate for actors working in any film, because if there is one detrimental thing that is noticed by anyone viewing the film, it's poor acting. Most people don't care about the technical aspects of a film and could care less if there is an odd editing mistake or poor lighting, etc. Yet they will always notice an actor (or actress) who doesn't seem quite up to the part.

Consumption has sequences of both dialogue between the two characters, as well as some monologues spoken by actor Bruno Talotta. Talotta speaks very unnaturally and while I wouldn't use the word ‘stiff' in relation to his execution, there is definitely something unnatural about the way his character speaks. In the sequences of monologue I can excuse this manner of speech, because in some way it seems to compliment the deliberate, unemotional, and scientific approach the character takes to the situation. It is the sequences between Talotta and actress Andrea Nettleton in which it seems unnatural, unfortunately it never really feels like these two people are actually talking to each other, and unfortunately the odd execution of this dialogue takes the viewer out of the film momentarily.

This is, however, my only real complaint with the film. Technically, for its budget, it's excellent. Some good camera angles, fantastic special effects, and some good editing make for a very solid picture. As I mentioned earlier, the film made me uneasy, especially during the sequences of the titular ‘consumption', and that is exactly the effect a film like this should have on its audience. The uncomfortable sensation which director Powell inflicts on the audience mirrors the internal conflict of the central character. It is excellent work from a directorial standpoint. Aside from some issues in front of the camera (which, honestly, is to be expected from nearly any low budget film), Consumption is an uncomfortably great film.

You can contact Fatal Pictures at their hompage or at their official MySpace page.