The female cop in a small police headquarters is to spend the night with two male police officers, Mattingly and Miller. Don't forget the serial killer and cannibal who has killed as many as 32 victims is held up in the holding cell upstairs being guarded by one of her male counterparts. Strange things start happening once she looks at his file of terror regarding scenes of a young woman being tortured. This serial killer is as close to a monster as you can get. Lights go out and there seems to be trouble. The doors are locked to get outside the police station. Mattingly and Miller are acting stranger and the monster under the black blanket appears to be either dead or has run away. The female police officer must deal with the department's sexism and her superior's doubts about the strange ongoings at the police station. She faces her fear of the monster by doing something both admirable and destructive at the end.
17 Reviews
Finally a Creepy Episode
claudio_carvalho21 February 2015
Officer Bannerman is a rookie and the other officers play pranks with her. When the Cajun serial-killer Duane "Eater" Mello is brought to the police station, officers Bannerman, Marty and Mattingley are assigned by Sergeant Wiliams to spend the night in the precinct watching the killer to deliver him to the FBI in the morning. The Eater used to eat parts of his victims and is locked up alone in a cell. However along the night Bannerman learns that Duane is very powerful and capable to switch bodies with the victim that he has eaten the heart.
"Eater" is so far the best episode of "Fear Itself", with a creepy story. The tale is claustrophobic and scary and the conclusion is well-resolved. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Eater"
"Eater" is so far the best episode of "Fear Itself", with a creepy story. The tale is claustrophobic and scary and the conclusion is well-resolved. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Eater"
Eater
Mynx737 July 2008
I really enjoyed Eater. It's the only Fear Itself episode that kept me interested through the entire hour. I also liked the fact that the female cop was a horror geek (I am too). Eater will remind you of several others movies, sort of rolled into one concise plot. It was well acted (suprisingly, considering the first 3 episodes)and the setting worked nicely. There are several 'jump' moment set ups, but the the suspense is built slowly enough that you care about the characters. Don't assume you have guessed the twist because, while you MAY figure it out, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the way it is played. Even though you can see the final scene coming from a mile away, you will still cheer for your favorite character.
The Best So Far
Michael_Elliott9 July 2008
Fear Itself: Eater (2008)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Elisabeth Moss plays a policewoman who is obsessed with horror movies and gets a big thrill when a serial killer is captured and thrown into her jail. This killer not only slaughters men and women but he's infamous for eating them and soon the policewoman starts to notice that something isn't quite right in the jail as her co-workers seem not to be their real selves. This is an extremely well made film from Gordon who is best known for Re-Animator and he doesn't shy away from the gore here. For being shown on Network television I was rather shocked at how much blood and violence they allowed in the film especially scenes where the killer is shown eating his victims. Gordon does a superb job with his direction and really creates some nice suspense mixed in with all the blood. The ending is extremely well done and Gordon also manages to make a film that doesn't also rely on laughs. This was the first time I had seen moss in anything but she really caught my eye and delivered a very good performance. She fits the role of the horror fan very well and she comes off quite natural as an actress so I wouldn't mind seeing more of her. The supporting cast are pretty good as well. I've never been a die-hard fan of Gordon's work as I find some of his films to be overrated but I was highly impressed here.
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Elisabeth Moss plays a policewoman who is obsessed with horror movies and gets a big thrill when a serial killer is captured and thrown into her jail. This killer not only slaughters men and women but he's infamous for eating them and soon the policewoman starts to notice that something isn't quite right in the jail as her co-workers seem not to be their real selves. This is an extremely well made film from Gordon who is best known for Re-Animator and he doesn't shy away from the gore here. For being shown on Network television I was rather shocked at how much blood and violence they allowed in the film especially scenes where the killer is shown eating his victims. Gordon does a superb job with his direction and really creates some nice suspense mixed in with all the blood. The ending is extremely well done and Gordon also manages to make a film that doesn't also rely on laughs. This was the first time I had seen moss in anything but she really caught my eye and delivered a very good performance. She fits the role of the horror fan very well and she comes off quite natural as an actress so I wouldn't mind seeing more of her. The supporting cast are pretty good as well. I've never been a die-hard fan of Gordon's work as I find some of his films to be overrated but I was highly impressed here.
Avoided The Turd
ricardovs2715 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
After the last episode, it was anxiously expected what another veteran, Stuart Gordon (of "Re-Animator", "From Beyond" and "Dagon" fame) could bring to the mix.
Fortunately, it was as expected.
A tension-ridden, cleverly filmed "Child's Play meets Hannibal Lecter" type of bag, with good suspense and some gore to heat things up and keep the ball in play for the series.
I really love contained horror stories, meaning that I really appreciate genre movies that happens in a very tight surrounding and not so many characters. The choice of making it happen at a deserted police station was very nice.
Full of references to another movies, this episode was fun.
My only peeve with it was with the ending, a little far fetched. But it worked.
Fortunately, it was as expected.
A tension-ridden, cleverly filmed "Child's Play meets Hannibal Lecter" type of bag, with good suspense and some gore to heat things up and keep the ball in play for the series.
I really love contained horror stories, meaning that I really appreciate genre movies that happens in a very tight surrounding and not so many characters. The choice of making it happen at a deserted police station was very nice.
Full of references to another movies, this episode was fun.
My only peeve with it was with the ending, a little far fetched. But it worked.
A Solid Episode, But Not Gordon's Finest Moment
gavin694215 July 2008
Being transferred from one facility to another, a Cajun serial killer who eats his victims (an "eater") is being housed in the Chesterton jail for a night. With two police officers and a "boot" (cop-in-training) watching him, you think that would be adequate. But no. The night is about to become a terrifying last course for those who get in his path.
I had high hopes for this episode, coming from Stuart Gordon. I adore "Re-Animator", I enjoyed "Castle Freak" and his past television episodes of "Masters of Horror" are among the best. But as soon as I heard Michael Gingold say this was going to be a winner, my heart sank. If Gingold says it's good, you can be sure it's a waste of time. And yes, although the episode had its moments, overall it seems lacking.
There were some nice shout-outs for the horror fans. A copy of Fangoria magazine (called "Death Dance") is present and there's discussion of Hannibal Lecter. After this, the story becomes a guessing game of who is the killer and who is the hero. For the most part, this is predictable, but there's a twist or two that will keep you watching. The end, which I won't disclose, came a bit too abruptly and left me wanting more. I needed closure and didn't get it.
Now, the story is still better than "Spooked"... but after the powerful double block of "Family Man" and "Sickness", I thought there could be more. And from here on out, the series doesn't carry the big names. Mary Harron ("American Psycho") might save it, but there's no John Carpenter or Don Coscarelli... at this point I expect the show to be canned after one year's run.
I had high hopes for this episode, coming from Stuart Gordon. I adore "Re-Animator", I enjoyed "Castle Freak" and his past television episodes of "Masters of Horror" are among the best. But as soon as I heard Michael Gingold say this was going to be a winner, my heart sank. If Gingold says it's good, you can be sure it's a waste of time. And yes, although the episode had its moments, overall it seems lacking.
There were some nice shout-outs for the horror fans. A copy of Fangoria magazine (called "Death Dance") is present and there's discussion of Hannibal Lecter. After this, the story becomes a guessing game of who is the killer and who is the hero. For the most part, this is predictable, but there's a twist or two that will keep you watching. The end, which I won't disclose, came a bit too abruptly and left me wanting more. I needed closure and didn't get it.
Now, the story is still better than "Spooked"... but after the powerful double block of "Family Man" and "Sickness", I thought there could be more. And from here on out, the series doesn't carry the big names. Mary Harron ("American Psycho") might save it, but there's no John Carpenter or Don Coscarelli... at this point I expect the show to be canned after one year's run.
Urban Gothic repeat?
ifer4715 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I'm sure most people haven't seen it, but the UK did a series much like this 7-8 years ago called "Urban Gothic." In the second season, there was an episode called 'Eater,' with nearly the exact storyline, although a much more spectacular ending.
While I find that slightly off-putting, I still enjoyed this episode for it's own merits. It was a bit more graphic and suspenseful while being strangely realistic.
For those of you with Netflix, I highly recommend Urban Gothic. I am curious to see how the rest of "Fear Itself" plays out and if anything else is similar.
While I find that slightly off-putting, I still enjoyed this episode for it's own merits. It was a bit more graphic and suspenseful while being strangely realistic.
For those of you with Netflix, I highly recommend Urban Gothic. I am curious to see how the rest of "Fear Itself" plays out and if anything else is similar.
Missed most of the show
dfmeyer_15 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Well, missed most and found it was on while cruising past. Saw the end and figured out the rest. Seems most missed the symbolic act by the female rookie officer. The allowing herself to be eaten in the end, but putting the cuffs on the killer just as the poison begins to affect the killer. Lets anyone know that walks in and finds the bodies that it was she, whom was responsible for taking the killer with her. Something the "Veteran" male officers were unable to do. I'd probably watch the whole thing, even though horror is not my favorite genre. Did seem to rely on catching every subtly and nuance to gain the most insight on the story
For a made for TV, commercials and interruptions and all.. Needs a little more to be good..
A decent episode
moorecameron943 July 2008
I just finished watching "Eater", and I thought it was an okay episode. The ending was disappointing and the lights that kept going on and off were annoying and gave me a headache. The main girl was the only one that could act. The killer was creepy but kind of dumb at the same time. I thought it was a rip off of Hannibal Rising. It seems that the plot wasn't thought out well. This was not my favorite. I would say this would be my third favorite out of the five episodes. I would recommend it if you are bored. The effects were decent so that was a good thing. Overall I would would give the episode "Eater" a 8/10 for the good effects and a decent episode.
One of the best in the series
InsolentPup31 August 2015
Stuart Gordon's 'The Black Cat' is considered by many one of the best (if not the best) episode of of the earlier 'Masters of Horror' series, created by Mick Garris. Now Gordon did it again here, giving us 'hands down' the best episode of Fear Itself. (also created by Garris). 'Eater' is extremely thrilling - it could also be called suspenseful- and shot masterfully. The police station building with the dark corners, locked doors, stairs and corridors makes an ideal 'scenery' while adding a certain 90's feel to the segment (I count that as a plus). Elizabeth Moss's performance as the 'boot' (newly recruited officer) who is being sexually teased by her male co-officers is phenomenal. And those teeeth... (I'm not spoiling anything, just see it for yourself if you haven't) are a pure nightmare!
My only criticism: The ending was a bit too abrupt- 2 more minutes wouldn't have hurt. Still, the episode is definitely worth a watch or two (unlike most of the episodes in the series, unfortunately..)
My only criticism: The ending was a bit too abrupt- 2 more minutes wouldn't have hurt. Still, the episode is definitely worth a watch or two (unlike most of the episodes in the series, unfortunately..)
eat your heart out
trashgang21 May 2010
From Beyond and Re-Animator. What excellent movies they are. Stuart Gordon, the man behind those gory flicks is here with an episode of Fear Itself. By now I know that gore or even blood isn't available in most of the episodes but this is an exception. The blood is available and even a bit of gore is added. The story is again, very simple. It's a bit of a story about shapeshifters. The way Stuart used the camera's is in a scary way, the zoom in on faces with a wide angle lens gives a creepy look. And he isn't afraid to show the result of the 'eater'. The only problem that I have is again, the ending of the episode. Suddenly all problems are solved but with a result that makes you go huh? I agree in some terms that people are saying, you can feel that writing was done in a very fast way, sadly it gives that look. But this one is surely one for the geeks and the best part so far in the series.
Very creepy
Woodyanders17 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Eager beaver rookie cop and hardcore horror fan Danny Bannerman (a fine and appealing performance by the attractive Elisabeth Moss) spends the night in an isolated precinct with savage cannibalistic serial killer Duane 'Eater' Mellor (a frightening portrayal by the hulking Stephen R. Hart), who plans on making Bannerman his next "meal." Director Stuart Gordon, working from a tight and engrossing script by Richard Chizmar and Johnathon Schaech, relates the absorbing plot at a brisk pace, creates and sustains a spooky atmosphere (having the story occur on a bleak snowy evening further adds to said eerie mood), milks plenty of tension from the claustrophobic police station setting, delivers a few icky moments of fairly nasty gore, and pulls off a neat little dark surprise twist at the end. The sound acting from the capable cast helps a lot: Moss impresses as a strong and spunky damsel in distress, Hart with his long stringy hair, deep rumbling voice, and towering height makes for a genuinely scary and unsettling psycho freak, plus there are solid supporting contributions from Stephen Lee as obnoxious jerk Marty Steinwitz, Russell Hornsby as the sympathetic Sergeant Williams, and Pablo Schreiber as the antagonistic Mattingly. Alwyn Kumst's grayish cinematography provides an effectively gloomy look. Bobby Johnson's rattling score does the heart-pounding trick. Worth a watch.
Let me guess... another serial killer?
doogiegonegood4 July 2008
I had high hopes for Fear Itself but it seems the show has been crippled by unimaginative and repetitive story lines. I don't mind if you're going to beat the Hannibal/Cajun Bad guy genre to death but at least do it with style and in a way that's worth watching all 40 minutes.
It seems the writers have a recipe, get a psycho and manage to kill EVERYONE (or at least suggest it) by the final minute in every episode. Suspense and fear only works if the outcome is unpredictable, it is the struggle to survive that's meaningful.
These guys should take a look at a little gem of a series called "Are You Afraid of the Dark", I think they would be blown away at its creativeness and eventually work a little harder.
It seems the writers have a recipe, get a psycho and manage to kill EVERYONE (or at least suggest it) by the final minute in every episode. Suspense and fear only works if the outcome is unpredictable, it is the struggle to survive that's meaningful.
These guys should take a look at a little gem of a series called "Are You Afraid of the Dark", I think they would be blown away at its creativeness and eventually work a little harder.
Updated story from an old comic.
clifford-long2 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
All in all it was entertaining, not bad for network TV. The end became obvious when she went into the closet with the rat poison. Actually this ending was taken from a short story in either "Creepshow" or "Zombie" comics some 35 years ago. The original story was set in a swamp, the Eater was Cajun, and was about a creature similar to an octopus that would capture its victim, suck out the body contents and use the body like a puppet to lure others to their doom. The Eater was a shape shifter, or skin walker, able to get close to his victim posing as someone they knew. Any way, the hero in the story, much like our heroin, could not overcome the creature and eventually lost his family to it. In the end he sacrificed himself by giving himself to the creature but not before eating a large quantity of rat poison. I think the writers did a pretty good retelling this old story
Another Near Miss for FEAR ITSELF
bababear3 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
From the director of RE-ANIMATOR. Wow, this was going to be good...so I thought.
It had a good premise. A serial killer who has tortured, killed, and eaten more than thirty victims is being kept overnight in a holding cell at a police station. The next day he'll be transferred to another facility.
Add some interesting characters. The newest staff member of the local police is a young woman who loves horror movies. The 'good old boy' mentality of the locals results in her getting little respect or support from her peers.
Of course you know that Woman Rookie Cop and Psycho Cannibal will meet up and clash, otherwise why bother? That's why we're watching.
But the violence was way over the top, reminding me of THE HILLS HAVE EYES (which I hugely enjoyed) but not quite as extreme. Considering that it's the night before a federal holiday, lots of kids would be up watching. And some parents think that if it's allowed on network TV it's OK.
Not in this case.
Additionally, the ending was a downer. After everyone else is killed and it's just her and the killer she's being pursued and finds boxes of rat poison. She chokes down some and rubs some in her wounds. He bites off chunks of her flesh and is poisoned and dies. The last shot is the two corpses lying on the floor.
Nope. Close, but no cigar. Maybe FEAR ITSELF would do better presenting two shorter stories since it's a one hour time slot.
I'll keep watching and hope that they find their groove.
It had a good premise. A serial killer who has tortured, killed, and eaten more than thirty victims is being kept overnight in a holding cell at a police station. The next day he'll be transferred to another facility.
Add some interesting characters. The newest staff member of the local police is a young woman who loves horror movies. The 'good old boy' mentality of the locals results in her getting little respect or support from her peers.
Of course you know that Woman Rookie Cop and Psycho Cannibal will meet up and clash, otherwise why bother? That's why we're watching.
But the violence was way over the top, reminding me of THE HILLS HAVE EYES (which I hugely enjoyed) but not quite as extreme. Considering that it's the night before a federal holiday, lots of kids would be up watching. And some parents think that if it's allowed on network TV it's OK.
Not in this case.
Additionally, the ending was a downer. After everyone else is killed and it's just her and the killer she's being pursued and finds boxes of rat poison. She chokes down some and rubs some in her wounds. He bites off chunks of her flesh and is poisoned and dies. The last shot is the two corpses lying on the floor.
Nope. Close, but no cigar. Maybe FEAR ITSELF would do better presenting two shorter stories since it's a one hour time slot.
I'll keep watching and hope that they find their groove.
Suspense, Suspense.... End
dschmeding11 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
"The eater" is a story about a cell inmate in a police station who seems deep in black magic/voodoo rituals. After he is brought to his cell shackled and of huge stature (pretty much reminded me of Hannibal Lecter being led to his cage) the team of cops in the police station is in for a fun night with the 2meter guy who likes singing funky voodoo songs (Zuzu Za Za Zizi). When 2 male and 1 female cop are left alone to take care of the station and inmate for the night things get creepy. You know where this all leads to and I must admit that the suspense is built really well... the visuals and especially the colors are great and the violence is pretty harsh for a TV horror episode. You get some cannibalism, occult rituals and shape-shifting ultimately leading to pretty much everyone dying. When they showed that room with a million packs of rat poison I thought.. "Now that is subtle!". But when the last surviving cop pours the poison in her mouth and wounds to poison the eater it just got too ridiculous and unbelievable. Who comes up with such lame campfire tales? Awesome visuals and suspense... stupid story and ending. Sorry for the spoiler ... I hope the other episodes got more intelligent scripts than the last two.
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