Movie Review: "The Crumbs" (2020)
The Crumbs Movie Review
Written by Stuart D. Monroe
Released by CRA Entertainment
Directed by David J. Espinosa
Written by Craig Ahrens and David J. Espinosa
2020, 111 minutes, Not Rated
Released on Amazon Prime on October 22nd, 2020
Starring:
Maria Olsen as Irene Crumb
Jeff Hatch as Dr. Benjamin Crumb
Chelsea Jurkiewicz as Victoria Crumb
Anton Clark as Leonard
David J. Espinosa as Angel Valente
Alena Gerard as Mrs. Smith
Craig Ahrens as Homeless Man
Review:
When I first encountered the creative team of David J. Espinosa and Craig Ahrens, it was with 2019’s The Evil Down the Street. That was a restrained affair based on a true story that spoke of a careful eye for the little details and a belief in staying focused on the family in the story more than the evil befalling them. It was “horror light”, and Craig Ahrens promised their next affair would definitely not be light.
He made good on the promise.
The latest outing from CRA Entertainment takes you into a place that’s much bloodier, more uncomfortable, and (dare I say?) even exploitative, and that makes me very happy. That goes back to the roots of how horror works best- when it’s got a little something to say betwixt all the madness, incest, dismemberment, and the severe abuse of guest relations protocol.
The Crumbs are just decent, hardworking, friendly people. There’s young Victoria Crumb (Chelsea Jurkiewicz; Abigail Haunting); she’s an abnormal beauty with an archaic style about her. Irene Crumb (Maria Olsen; Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief) is the family matriarch and the Airbnb’s resident chef. The man in charge is Dr. Benjamin Crumb (Jeff Hatch; I Am Still Here), a gifted neurosurgeon. Then there’s Leonard (Anton Clark; Death Kiss), the hulking and somewhat simple muscle of the family (who also happens to be the only black family member). They run an Airbnb in the middle of nowhere that’s full of country charm and isolated beauty. They have the utmost of respect for their guests with reservations. God help you, though, if you drop in without reservations. The Crumbs have an unbelievably taboo secret that’s somehow more shocking than the fact that they’ve cheated death by stealing vital fluids from their victims and injecting themselves. Also, they make food out of their unfortunate drop-ins to feed to their other guests.
Still comfy with those out of the way Airbnb places now? What do you mean you want to cancel your reservations?
One of the truly wonderful qualities of horror is that unique ability to show you awful things that stimulate all those dark parts of your brain that you didn’t know needed stimulating while still making you think. The Crumbs excels here by hitting you with an almost frantic parade of guests that are used as the bloody fodder to tell the story of a family with a tree so straight it makes Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree look like it belongs on the fucking White House lawn…but they’re still a by-God loving family! In a genre packed with sicko families like The Sawyers, The Fireflys, and Jupiter’s clan from The Hills Have Eyes, the all-too hospitable Crumbs will make an impression on you with their oddball chemistry and unique style.
Looks like a nice place, right? Right?
And make no mistake about it, The Crumbs is a weird-ass movie. With an underlying message of love and acceptance, it makes for a gleefully enjoyable romp where you pull for the psychos not only because the parade of guests (victims) are so dislikable but also because there’s an endearing quality to the family that’s impossible to ignore. The chemistry between the four is ever present (and occasionally genuinely discomforting). It’s an ensemble affair with many memorable guests and scenarios that even play through the ending credits; style points for using those outtakes and extra material in Grumpy Old Men fashion.
Chelsea Jurkiewicz is your scene-stealer as “young” Victoria Crumb. She has a bizarrely seductive quality that makes you feel a bit sleazy when it registers, but as soon as you start to feel a bit conflicted she shifts effortlessly back to the sweet young woman who’s trying to be different from her lecherous and murderous parents. It’s a real star turn. Writer/Director David J. Espinosa also puts in quality time as the ubiquitous “man on a mission to stop the evil” role.
I can’t lie- I could have used a little more on the gore end of things given the subject matter, but I feel that is a bit of a budgetary thing. Espinosa and company still manage to shoot the action in such a way that it doesn’t take away from the effectiveness despite the missed opportunity to throw in a highlight gag or two. It would have paired quite well with the madcap sense of camp and energy that permeates the exaggerated run time of 111 minutes.
In the middle section of the film, there’s a scene where a lady’s car breaks down nearby. Now an unintended and unexpected (and soon to be dead) guest, the snotty model comments to Irene Crumb, “I guess you like living in the middle of nowhere.” Irene replies coolly, “This is our home. That IS somewhere.” Of course, you know this chick is going to end up as barbeque, but you also get the underlying point- everyone has a story (even the psychos out there), and you shouldn’t take a shit on anyone’s circumstances….especially if they have access to you while you sleep.
The Crumbs is a damn solid entry into the “crazy cannibal family” genre that may not please those looking strictly for gore factor, but it has enough heart, humor, cooky stylings, and darkness to please everyone else looking for something different this Halloween season. It’s not going to do the secluded Airbnb trade any favors, either, but let’s be honest- if that’s your thing then maybe you’re the ideal victim to end up in the sausage skillet and the surgeon’s needle.
Food for thought.
Grade:
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
