During the Mexican-American war of 1847, American soldier Guy Pearce is appointed to California's Fort Spencer after proving his cowardice in battle. Everything is okay until during a snowstorm along comes Scotsman Robert Carlyle. He tells a story about his party being trapped in the wilderness and having to resort to cannibalism, but fails to mention he still kinda digs it. So it's mindgames galore and plenty of neat plot twists as Pearce and Carlyle are pitted against each other.

Somewhat engrossing horror/thriller has some tasty black comedy, a top-notch cast (Jeffrey Jones is a stand-out here) and a bold idea. The only drawback here is it tends to be leisurely paced and has a semi-bloated mid-section before getting down in the violently exciting finale.

It's easy to see why this never found an audience in theatres because it's bloody, grisly and definitely not for all tastes.

Directed By: Antonia Bird.
Written By: Ted Griffin.

Starring: Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle, Jeremy Davies, Jeffrey Jones.