Sometimes a troubled production can lead to, if not a great film, a cult film. Ravenous is one of those pictures. Released in 1999, the film changed directors in pre-production and had strong executive overwatch. When it was first released it received mixed reviews and did little at the box office making it seem like a film that would disappear and be forgotten. But due to a number of factors it has gained a cult following.

When Lieutenant Boyd becomes a hero in the Mexican-American War, he is awarded a medal and promotion, but is then sent packing to a remote garrison because it is found his heroics occurred because of a cowardly deed. At his new location, a stranger named Colquoun appears claiming that his group of settlers had been trapped in a snowstorm and resorted to cannibalism. The garrison’s colonel decides to lead an expedition to see if they can retrieve any survivors. Unfortunately for the scouting party, things turn horribly wrong.

Starring Guy Pearce and Robert Carlyle at the time they were considered up-and-coming leading men, the films cast, the film’s quirky humor and shocking violence brought it attention years later when it hit the video and disc market. Also, being directed by a woman, Antonia Bird, has given it more visibility. Dark Discussions takes a look at this film and gives their opinion.