We Are What We Are (2013)

We Are What We Are (2013) – Movie Summary

We Are What We Are (2013) is a slow-burn horror thriller directed by Jim Mickle. It is a reimagining of the 2010 Mexican film of the same name but takes a different cultural and narrative approach. The film blends atmospheric dread with family drama, focusing on a deeply unsettling secret held by a seemingly reclusive family.

We Are What We Are (2013) - IMDb

The story follows the Parker family, who live in a remote rural area. The father, Frank Parker (Bill Sage), is a stern and devoutly religious man who rules over his two daughters, Iris (Ambyr Childers) and Rose (Julia Garner), and their young brother, Rory. After their mother suddenly dies from an illness during a rainstorm, the girls are forced to take on the responsibilities of a long-standing family tradition—one that involves ritualistic cannibalism.

We Are What We Are Review - HeyUGuys

As the town investigates the mother’s death, a local doctor, Doc Barrow (Michael Parks), grows suspicious after examining remains found in the water. He has been searching for answers regarding his missing daughter, who disappeared years ago, and evidence starts pointing toward the Parker family. Meanwhile, Iris and Rose struggle with their gruesome inheritance. Iris, the eldest, is pressured into taking charge, but she begins to question the morality of their practices. Rose, the younger sister, is deeply disturbed and wants to break free from the cycle of violence.

Tension builds as the girls attempt to resist their father’s control. When Doc Barrow uncovers the horrifying truth about the Parkers’ ritualistic cannibalism, the situation spirals into chaos. In a shocking climax, the daughters finally rebel, turning on their father in a violent confrontation.

We Are What We Are (2013) directed by Jim Mickle • Reviews, film + cast •  Letterboxd

We Are What We Are is a chilling and atmospheric horror film that focuses on themes of family loyalty, tradition, and the consequences of blind faith. It is less about gore and more about psychological horror, with a slow, creeping dread that builds throughout. The cinematography is moody and rain-soaked, enhancing the oppressive atmosphere. The film received praise for its strong performances, particularly from Ambyr Childers and Julia Garner, and its unsettling yet poetic approach to horror.

We Are What We Are: Ending & Cannibal Family Traditions Explained

Overall, We Are What We Are is a haunting and thought-provoking film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. It offers a disturbing meditation on inherited trauma and the struggle to break free from dark traditions.