by Bryan Renfro

     What if... you had a friend that when they fell asleep they would sleepwalk, oh - and they would also eat people? But wait! What if ALSO, you were an artist in the middle of a massive creative dry spell and the only way for you to find your muse was being exposed to the trauma of death? These seem like two pretty far-fetched concepts huh? Well in fact, both of those scenarios come into play in the 2012 film "Eddie: The Sleepwalking Cannibal".

     As I watched this film I thought about the two previously stated "scenarios" and came to the somewhat obvious conclusion... these seem like the sort of situations that happen in, well... movies. I mean, you probably haven't read about sleepwalking cannibals in any medical journals lately. And though, peculiar artists out there do have their quirks - contributing to murder just to finish a painting seems more like something you would see dramatized on the big screen. But as I continued examining this story line I stopped and thought, 'Oh wait... but I AM watching a movie.' And somehow that immediately made everything ok. Not only was I watching a movie - but I enjoy movies. So the kind of stories that can only be told in that medium are exactly what I am looking for. The point is... if you put aside the outlandishness of this film and just watch it - you'll see it's actually a lot of fun.

     But long before I ever had that inner monolog, I noticed... the movie looked good. Director Boris Rodriguez shoots it with a humble indie feel, that would probably catch you off-guard if you didn't know the blood and guts were coming. He seems to be a sensible director who knows how to structure a scene and certainly makes use of the visuals available to him in this icy Canadian setting.

     But in the end, I feel the movie is really carried by the two leads. Eddie himself, could have easily been over-acted and made to look ridiculous. But Dylan Smith masterfully underplays this character, and in the process not only makes him a real person but also a sympathetic character as the story goes on. Which works to the plot's advantage. You could have easily written off our title character, if you didn't care about him. And you do.

Thure Lindhardt on the other hand has a much more difficult job. Lindhardt plays Lars, the former brilliant artist who is now completely uninspired and has resigned to a teaching position in the small town of Koda Lake. As the true lead character in the film, you naturally need him to be somewhat likable. But you still have to be able to buy him as the disturbed artist, who will go to some very dark places to express his vision. And Thure does a pretty good job juggling the roles of... the new guy in a small isolated community, the somewhat romantic lead in a minor side plot, and in the key performance as a surrogate, protective older brother to Eddie.

     In fact, his challenge is made even more difficult as there are several moments when the film makes Lars downright loathsome. Yet asks us to quickly forgive him in future scenes. And for the most part you do, because Lindhardt plays the character with such humanity that you see these are just flaws in what is essentially a good person. Well... arguably good, when you start factoring in all the premeditated murder. But still.

     The film is rounded out by a lesser seen, but solid cast of supporting characters. Paul Braunstein brings us almost a caricature of a Canadian lawman as Verner. Sort of the Barney Fife of this snowy little town. Because of the nature of the story, Georgina Reilly isn't given much to do as Lesley. But she works well with Lindhardt in their scenes together. Alain Goulem is thoroughly convincing as Harry, the Principal who sheepishly puts the survival of the school above all else. And last but certainly not least is Ronny, played by the amazing Stephen McHattie. Ronny, as the sleazy art promoter still waiting to cash in on Lars, is so entertaining in his little time on-screen that he needs to be spun off into other movies. I would love to see more of Ronny at work!

     All in all, this joint venture between Canada and Denmark is silly one minute and grim the next. Awkwardly trying to balance gore scenes right out of a zombie movie with a more subtle comedic tone poking fun at the pretentious art world. An odd mixture that if you let it... kind of works. So feel free to remind yourself, as I had to do, that you are in fact - watching a movie. And it's all in good fun.