Watch A Feast of Man

A Feast of Man is a dark comedy-drama film that narrates the story of four friends who reunite to celebrate their friend's life after his demise. The movie portrays the complexities of society and human relationships, as well as mortality and morality, in a gripping and entertaining manner. The movie opens with a voice-over from the deceased friend, James, played by Laurence Bond, describing his final moments and his reflections on life. We learn that James was a wealthy and flamboyant man who loved parties, food, and women. Upon his passing, his three closest friends - Claire (Marleigh Dunlap), Vincent (Zach Fleming), and Philip (Jared Scott) - are left reeling, and each of them deals with the loss in their way.

Claire is the only woman in the group and, as we soon learn, James's secret lover. She is initially hesitant to attend the planned dinner party organized in his honor, but ultimately agrees to join. Vincent, on the other hand, is a struggling musician who needs money but is reluctant to pursue any of the options available to him. Philip is a married man with a child, but his relationship with his wife is strained, and he feels trapped in his life.

As the three friends arrive at James's mansion, they are greeted by butlers dressed in black who serve them custom-made cocktails. The butlers then explain that discussions regarding the division of James's leftover wealth will happen following dinner. The movie takes place over the course of one long night, with the dinner party primarily serving as a backdrop.

The movie's central theme is the fragility of relationships and the struggle for control, especially regarding those with power, wealth, and fame. As the night progresses, conflicts arise, secrets are revealed, and each character undergoes a transformation. Some revelations are amusing, while others are genuinely disturbing.

The film is expertly shot, and the sets are lavish, providing a sense of luxury while simultaneously highlighting the character's superficiality. The film excels at creating tension through the use of dialogue and editing. The script balances humor and tragedy with skill, never overdoing either. The comedic bits are genuinely funny, while the dramatic moments are genuinely moving.

The cast, primarily composed of newcomers, delivers strong performances. Laurence Bond delivers a standout performance as the deceased millionaire, his voice-over serving as a constant reminder of James's presence. Marleigh Dunlap delivers a standout performance as the conflicted Claire, impressively portraying the character's inner turmoil.

Zach Fleming and Jared Scott handle their roles adequately, with Fleming's portrayal of Vincent standing out due to his character's transformation throughout the film. The character's insecurity is palpable through the actor's performance, and his scenes with Bond are particularly noteworthy.

The movie is an exploration of the human psyche and the human condition, asking the audience to question what is truly important in life. We see each character struggle with the complexities of their relationships, and with issues of morality and mortality. The film examines the lengths people will go to achieve their desires, and the consequences of those choices.

One negative about the movie is that at times, it seems to lose its direction, detracting from the compelling narrative. However, these moments are brief, and the film quickly regains its pace.

In conclusion, A Feast of Man is a darkly amusing and thought-provoking movie. It is a commentary on society's superficiality and materialism, as well as its essential tendency to value power and wealth above human relationships. Its stunning visuals, strong performances, and smart script make it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys character-driven dramas.

A Feast of Man is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.