“The Feast” (2021): A Haunting Tale of Folklore, Class, and Environmental Revenge
The Feast is a 2021 Welsh-language folk horror film that blends eerie atmosphere, folklore, and social commentary into a slow-burning, unforgettable experience. Directed by Lee Haven Jones and written by Roger Williams, the film stands out not only for its chilling story but also for its cultural and environmental themes. Set entirely within a luxurious, isolated modern home in the Welsh countryside, the story unfolds over one haunting evening as a wealthy family prepares to host a dinner party that masks darker intentions.
The central plot revolves around a rich politician’s wife, Glenda, and her husband Gwyn, who have invited a guest and a business partner to dinner in order to close a profitable but ethically questionable deal involving mineral extraction from nearby land. To assist with the evening, they bring in a mysterious young woman named Cadi to serve the meal. At first, Cadi appears shy and withdrawn, speaking very little and observing everything around her with quiet intensity. However, her presence soon begins to disrupt the household in strange and disturbing ways.
Annes Elwy delivers a mesmerizing performance as Cadi, capturing both vulnerability and an eerie stillness that hints at something supernatural. Her role is less about dialogue and more about presence. She becomes the silent force that slowly dismantles the family’s polished facade, exposing their moral decay. As the evening progresses, a series of strange occurrences builds toward a climax that is both shocking and symbolic.
The film excels in its atmosphere. Cinematographer Bjørn Ståle Bratberg uses the sterile, modern architecture of the house to emphasize the disconnect between the family and the natural world they are exploiting. Every frame is meticulously composed, heightening the sense of unease and isolation. The use of natural sounds—such as the wind, dripping water, or the distant hum of machinery—deepens the immersion and tension.
Unlike many horror films that rely on jump scares, The Feast is a masterclass in slow, creeping dread. The horror grows gradually, often in silence, with moments of grotesque imagery and body horror that strike hard when they arrive. The story draws heavily on Welsh folklore, tying the land’s ancient spiritual presence to themes of environmental destruction and class inequality. Cadi is revealed to be more than she appears—a symbolic agent of retribution for the land and its traditions, exacting revenge on those who desecrate it.
What makes The Feast particularly resonant is its blend of horror with cultural identity. By using the Welsh language and incorporating local myth, the film becomes a statement about heritage, rootedness, and the price of forgetting the old ways in favor of greed and modernity.
In the end, The Feast is more than just a horror film. It’s a disturbing meditation on the consequences of arrogance, environmental disregard, and social elitism. With its eerie mood, strong performances, and richly layered storytelling, it leaves a lasting impression long after the final scene. For those who appreciate psychological horror that lingers beneath the surface, The Feast is a cinematic banquet—dark, poetic, and profoundly unsettling.
