Movies
Dinner, Party of 1: Autophagia in Horror
The prevalence of autophagia (also known as self-cannibalism, auto-cannibalism, or the act of eating oneself) is so common today that most people don’t even realize they take part. Autophagia applies to the self-consumption of any part of the body, including fingernails, dead skin, scabs, hair, blood, and, of course, meat. Give me a “Hello Clarice” if you just found out you’ve taken part in auto-cannibalism before.
Now, typically, the most devastating cases of self-cannibalism, where they go for the meat, are attributed to severe mental health crises.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, reach out for help. You can call 988 or talk to someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifine.org.
Although autophagia is incredibly common in its lesser forms, it’s all around pretty terrible for us. Nail biting can lead to infection. Hair eating can lead to hairballs (or that unfortunate scene in Raw). Human blood consumption can lead to toxic iron levels. To top things off, human meat has little caloric value (especially compared to beefier counterparts).
Crossing the line into extreme self-cannibalism is an unfathomable boundary for many people for countless reasons – so naturally, the horror genre is here to explore it. Gore is the theme this month at Horror Press, and the following adheres to it. Let that be a warning as we delve into eight horror movie moments that explore how the line into self-cannibalism is crossed.
Autophagia in Horror Movies
Talk to Me
The introduction may have left you feeling unsettled, so let’s start things off small with some innocent self-blood consumption.
In what was arguably one of the most disturbing moments in 2023’s Talk to Me, a possessed teen recovering from numerous head lacerations begins slamming the back of his head into a wall until it cracks and bleeds, where he then starts frantically lapping his blood off the hospital floor.
Now, I may have misled you a bit about it only being innocent blood-drinking because there most certainly had to be bits of cranial matter mixed in there. This scene showcases one of the most unsettling aspects of the extreme forms of auto cannibalism: A person taking place in something that is not only so far outside of their character but also goes against every survival instinct that we have. The resulting physical pain of those actions is inconceivable, yet the person carries on, overriding every failsafe our body has to protect us. This next entry is another glorious example of that.
Splatter: Naked Blood
The 1996 Japanese horror film Splatter: Naked Blood works on the premise that a drug is being tested that turns pain into pleasure. You may recognize it from my list of best eyeball horror, and the same scene referenced places it here.
To get right to the point, a woman scoops out her eyeball with a fork and proceeds to eat it. But it’s the cheerful, orgasmic delivery that makes this scene the most unsettling. In most other examples of auto cannibalism in horror, there are malicious undertones or frenzied acts. In this scene, she dines on her eyeball like she’s having the best time of her life.
This moment captures a complete and total disconnect from reality. Being so immersed in the delusion that a person seems sane while doing something crazy gives me the heebie-jeebies, worse than this subject matter.
I should hold that thought.
In the Tall Grass
If you look up incidents of auto cannibalism today, the mass majority of notable incidents tend to happen against one’s will. If you’re not following, let’s look at In the Tall Grass.
In the movie, Becky DeMuth finds herself in a seemingly inescapable field of tall grass. Inside, she meets a man with heavy cult-like ideals. This spells incredibly terrible things for her pregnancy, which a half-conscious Lucy discovers after said cult man hand-feeds her the contents of her womb.
Speaking of being forced to dine on one’s progeny:
Spell (2020)
In a tale reminiscent of Misery, Spell features a man named Marquis T. Woods, who, after being injured in a plane crash, is taken in by a stranger.
The stranger (played by the amazing Loretta Devine) begins controlling Marquis with voodoo. Until he can fight back, he has no choice but to eat what she gives. But unbeknownst to him initially, she fed Marquis his son’s hand.
While I know this doesn’t directly fall under auto-cannibalism, a philosophy reminiscent of Ouroboros is happening here: the snake eating its tail symbolizes the everlasting cycle of destruction and creation, life and death. It’s meant to be a positive symbol, one of the snake’s few positive symbolic associations culturally.
Since this meal happens as a pretext for the final battle that our protagonist wins, he successfully subverts the enemy’s tactics against them. The destruction of his creation led to her creating this meal, leading to her destruction. Ouroboros.
If you feel like this has slid off track, let’s get back on it.
Anthropophagus (1980)
This 1980 Italian film by Joe D’Amato goes by many names: The Beast, The Savage Island, The Grim Reaper, or Anthropophagus.
Another name could be “the movie where the cannibal eats the baby out of a pregnant lady and ends with him eating his own intestines.”
That title may be lengthy, though.
Our anthropophagus became a cannibal first out of starving necessity. After having to eat his family to survive, he lost every ounce of humanity. It triggered an animalistic rampage culminating in the film’s impactful finale I referenced earlier.
Interestingly, the word anthropophagus means cannibal, especially in old myths and fables. But the aforementioned loss of humanity calls into question whether a person who’s become devoid of all humanity is a cannibal.
Sure, scientifically, they’re still human. But there’s a philosophical question of choice and at what point a person’s ‘self’ is no longer them. Should that be considered? To explore this further, let’s look at another moment of auto cannibalism in horror.
The Evil Dead (1981)
In Sam Raimi’s 1981 The Evil Dead, we see Shelly eat off her hand in Deadite form. Should this be considered auto cannibalism? The consensus is that when a Kandarian demon possesses a person, their soul goes to hell or limbo, making it fair to say that the Deadite version of them is no longer them, at least for the time being.
From Mia in 2013’s Evil Dead, we know someone can return from Deadite possession, proving they’re not entirely gone. But most people who change to Deadites do not come back. This transformation from human into Deadite encapsulates the absence of the Id and the ego, the conscious and unconscious mind.
It calls into question at what point is the person no longer the person who’s eating themself? And if the person is not present, should it be considered auto-cannibalism?
This subject got complicated; let’s finish with some less philosophically debatable cases.
Raw (2016)
Typically, cannibalism in films is used as a metaphor for love or exploring sexuality. The film Raw, where a vegetarian develops a hunger for human flesh, is an excellent example of the exploration into cannibalism serving as a fill-in for sexual exploration.
Yet, while cannibalism shows a closeness with others and the discovery of oneself, auto-cannibalism tends to show the opposite: a separation between mind and body or the chasm between force and free will. Rawdipped into auto-cannibalism with some hair-eating and wrist-biting, showcasing them as compulsory acts. Yet, self-cannibalism happening out of acts of compulsion is exemplified strongest in our final entry.
Eat (2014)
In the film Eat, struggling rising star Novella McClure’s autophagia begins in a way that’s familiar to many of us: she bites her cuticles when she experiences anxiety. As she can’t find work and can’t pay her bills, her anxiety grows, as does the compulsion to chew on herself. The incidents of autophagia continue until she’s bitten off and eaten whole body parts.
She attempts to hide her self-mutilations from those closest to her, even putting heels on over her freshly mangled foot. It speaks to the underlying mental health factors that contribute to auto-cannibalism, as well as a hefty metaphor for the feeling of being eaten alive by anxiety. This film gives us a vulgarly realistic depiction of anxiety personified; we tear ourselves apart. But most importantly, even in its radical displays, Eat humanizes the act of auto-cannibalism, showing us the boundary between it happening and not isn’t quite as large as we’d like to believe.
After all of this, I’d be remiss not to mention that some people take place in extreme auto-cannibalism willingly to see what it’s like. One Reddit user shared that after he had a foot amputated for medical reasons, he had it prepared into foot tacos for him and his closest friends because they all had said they’d be interested in trying human meat if they ever ethically had the chance.
Someone cue the “you can’t eat at everybody’s house” music.
By and large, the extreme forms of auto-cannibalism fit so well into horror because the notion of losing one’s grip on existence to the extent of extreme self-consumption is equal parts horrific and possible. Perhaps you didn’t realize how possible until now, so enjoy going through your day with this information. May you be slightly unsettled, from one horror fan to another.
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‘Tis February, and because of 2025’s Heart Eyes, we now celebrate Valentine’s Day. While many outlets are going to list romantic horror movies featuring the ultimate horror couples, we’re doing something different at Horror Press. We’re highlighting horror movie red flags. That way, you don’t waste your time this Hallmark season with duds who watch crap. These movies are grounds for automatic swipes to the left and leaving messages on read. Read this list to see the ultimate film filter to help you focus on more sustainable hookups, dates, and cuffing season partners.
8 Horror Movies That Are Dating Red Flags
A Serbian Film (2010)
An old pornstar agrees to do an art film only to discover it’s a snuff film. A Serbian Film is possibly the reddest of the red flags. The pedophilia and necrophilia make it a hard watch, so anyone who revisits it often should probably raise all your alarms. We try not to judge people, but this is definitely a title that will get you some bombastic side eye if you try to bring it to movie night. Would definitely not recommend spending the night after being shown this hellish title.
Any Eli Roth Movie
They’re all the same, and that’s why Eli Roth movies are the free space on this red flag bingo board. Whether it’s taking place in a cabin, a hostel, or during Thanksgiving, there is something inherently gross about a Roth film. I need a shower whenever some guy tries to convince me Roth has made any movies of note. Only people who want to be ghosted are suggesting these movies, and you should respect their wishes this February.
Alone in the Dark (2005)
A paranormal investigator looks into mysterious events that connect to his past. There is nothing nice to say about this Uwe Boll movie. It’s actually one of the few movies where I can’t even count on the design team when searching for compliments. While Christian Slater, Tara Reid, and Stephen Dorff have the misfortune of being the faces we associate with this shit fest, I’m not even letting the colorist and craft service off for their parts in this dud. When we talk about how we all love an occasional bad movie, no one means this one. This makes Alone in the Dark a red flag and alerts you that someone might not have taste.
Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025)
A 1988 prom queen race turns deadly when a killer begins slaying the candidates. Fear Street: Prom Queen is another huge red flag because it has no redeeming qualities. People who like this movie are being contrarians and should immediately lose the right to recommend movies. From the lack of energy to the unserious kills, there is no reason to swipe right on anyone pretending this movie is good. Save yourself some time and probably more ridiculously bad watches and shut it down immediately.
I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
When a Fourth of July Prank goes wrong, someone dies, and their friend circle finds themselves stalked by a mysterious figure. No matter what we think of any other installment/iteration of this story, this one is the worst. This is not my franchise, but this steep decline in quality is not like the others. Anyone who likes this movie is a walking red flag and possibly the most chaotic individual you have ever met.
Men (2022)
A woman heads to the English countryside to work through trauma and discovers more horrors are awaiting her. Men should have been my last straw with Alex Garland. However, I am a damn fool and suffered through Civil War, too. Which is why I can confidently say most Garland films are a red flag for me, but Men specifically underscores all of my problems with his work. If someone likes this movie, I will need them to explain it to me like I am five years old.
Skinamarink (2022)
Two kids wake up in the middle of the night and find that all of their doors and windows are gone. Skinamarink is the embodiment of “Girl, What?” The grainy footage gives many people headaches, and too much time is dedicated to the ceiling. Listening to people suggest watching it in closets, under blankets, with headphones to fully “get it” is weird and extremely unsexy. Which is why the movie and the people forcing the mood onto it are all red flags. I don’t want to kink shame but if someone is that into ceilings then maybe we’re not a good match.
Red Christmas (2016)
A family Christmas Eve gathering is interrupted by a killer seeking revenge. I cannot think of a bigger red flag than an anti-choice Christmas movie. I like my horror to be on the correct side of feminism, and this mess feels gross from a distance. That’s why this Dee Wallace title is a huge red flag and a festive horror mood killer. I know people like to talk about the great kills in this movie, but I insist on not hooking up with guys who like this one. If for no other reason, it probably tells you where they land on Roe v. Wade and we do not have time for that.
So these are some horror red flags from our team to your group chats. Now you can’t say no one warned you about the Eli Roth filmbros, or A Serbian Film fanatics.
Happy hookups and potential dating now that you know what to be on the lookout for! Never forget that it’s okay to swipe left, force close the app, and watch better horror movies than the ones listed above.
It’s still too cold to seriously consider going outside, so I am still in my couch potato era. Cozy, comfort, and Netflix are the three words people will hear me chanting under my breath this month. I also recently finished a group rewatch of Slasher: Solstice and have been looking at the other TV shows currently living on Netflix. Which is why I am looking for the warmth of my next quick binge. That’s right! I’m here with a few shows that could be taken down in one frosty February weekend. Most of them have been on my radar forever, and one of them I want to revisit because it screams lazy Stephen King Sunday. However, what I find most appealing about each of them is that I am guaranteed to lose at least a whole day if it’s a match made in hell.
Without further ado, here are the five titles I have my evil eye on this month. Check out my five Netflix picks for this February below! Happy binging to all my fellow couch potatoes!
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
Archive 81 (2022)
An archivist finds himself reconstructing the work of a filmmaker and her investigation into a dangerous cult. I missed Archive 81, but have only heard good things about it. Which is why it’s weird it was cancelled after only one season, consisting of eight episodes. The popular show was created by Rebecca Sonnenshine and starred talent like Mamoudou Athie and Matt McGorry. So, I’m long overdue for this Netflix watch and am excited to finally see what all of the fuss is about.
Castle Rock (2018 – 2019)
A series set in the town of Castle Rock and inhabited by characters from some of Stephen King’s most infamous works. This is the only show on this streaming guide that I have already seen. However, it’s very cozy, and I want to go back in. While this divisive series wasn’t for everyone, it scratched my King itch better than most of his adaptations. Also, this cast was ridiculously stacked. Where else can you see André Holland, Melanie Lynskey, Bill Skarsgård, Jane Levy, Sissy Spacek, and Lizzy Caplan all play together? I will definitely be revisiting these twenty episodes that make up these two seasons of what the fuckery.
NOS4A2 (2019-2020)
An immortal who feeds on children is threatened by a young woman with a mysterious gift. This show has circled my list forever, and it’s high time I cross it off my list. I also need to know what Zachary Quinto and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were doing during this era of genre TV for research. I’m ready to run through these twenty episodes and report back on my findings. More importantly, I love to see a show with big “fuck them kids” energy. So, fingers crossed, he eats a few kids to keep me leaned in. I need this to be good for so many reasons.
Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
A mob family in 1900s England sews razor blades in their caps and causes a ruckus. I am so ready to find out how this alleged crime drama collected so many horror fans. Is it just because it stars Cillian Murphy? Or is it very bloody and violent due to the razor blades being a key factor? Whatever the case, I’m excited to see all six seasons on Netflix. I plan to take these thirty-six episodes down like it is my job. I also cannot get over how lucky I have been to avoid all spoilers for the show, and I need to jump on it before someone ruins it for me already.
Reality Z (2020)
When a zombie apocalypse breaks out, a TV studio becomes a shelter for a small band of survivors in Rio de Janeiro. Because of the pandemic, I missed this Brazilian horror show. However, this seems like the kind of international gory zombie situation that I would like to make my new personality. I’m looking forward to seeing if these 10 episodes are one of the few reasons to keep talking to Netflix this year. Fingers crossed it is a scary good time, because we deserve some scares this February.
So, that’s where you can find me this February. Under a weighted blanket, in front of a TV, and eagerly taking advantage of the shows Netflix has collected. Let me know if any of these titles on my list will be your excuse to stay in this winter, too. Although, I am sure many of you will be revisiting your favorite Mike Flanagan Netflix Originals. Meanwhile, I am trying to get into some new (to me) stuff because the winter of our discontent is upon us. I plan to beat the winter of our discontent by being unreasonably comfortable and drowning in genre shows. I advise you to do the same because the weather outside is frightful and we have no place to go.
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