Interview with a Cannibal (2012) movie backdrop
Interview with a Cannibal (2012) movie poster
⭐ Rating4/10
🎯 Verdict FLOP
👍 Good
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 Bad
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
201233 minDocumentary
Audience VerdictFLOP

Interview with a Cannibal

Interview with a Cannibal Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Interview with a Cannibal is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 4.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.

Is Interview with a Cannibal Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, Interview with a Cannibal is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 33 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

4.02 votes
33Minutes
2012Release Year
Visual Story

Interview with a Cannibal Review

Last updated: January 14, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, Interview with a Cannibal emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Issei Sagawa murdered an innocent woman and spent three days eating her flesh. Unlike standard genre fare, Interview with a Cannibal attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Santiago Stelley, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study

The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Interview with a Cannibal features a noteworthy lineup led by Issei Sagawa .

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, their sheer charisma keeps the audience invested. In the broader context of 2012 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting.

🎥 Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship

From a technical perspective, Interview with a Cannibal is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production.

Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic. Furthermore, the sonic landscape adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.

📜 Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity

The structure of Interview with a Cannibal follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 33 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining.

Critically, the editing choices help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience.

🌍 Cultural Impact & Global Resonance

Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Interview with a Cannibal resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Interview with a Cannibal (2012) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 4.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Interview with a Cannibal Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Set within the thematic framework of the Documentary genre, Interview with a Cannibal delivers a narrative that attempts to balance character development with structural high-points.

The core plot centers around the following premise: "Issei Sagawa murdered an innocent woman and spent three days eating her flesh. Due to loopholes in the law, Issei is a free man to this day. Sagawa was declared insane and unfit for trial and was institutionalized in Paris. His incarceration was to be short, however, as the French public soon grew weary of their hard-earned francs going to support this evil woman-eater, and Issei was promptly deported. Herein followed a bizarre and seemingly too convenient set of legal loopholes and psychiatric reports that led doctors in Japan declaring him "sane, but evil." On August 12, 1986, Sagawa checked himself out of Tokyo's Matsuzawa Psychiatric hospital, and has been a free man ever since."

As the story progresses, the director focuses on building tension through deliberate character interactions, leading to a culmination that has sparked significant discussion among audience members.

Interview with a Cannibal Ending Explained & Final Analysis

The conclusion of Interview with a Cannibal leaves several plot threads for interpretation. In the final act, the narrative shifts from exposition to a more complex resolution that ties together the various character arcs introduced earlier.

Key Takeaways from the Ending:

  • Resolution: The main conflict reaches a turning point that defines the future status of the lead characters.
  • Theme: The final scenes emphasize the underlying themes of Documentary that the film explored throughout its runtime.
  • Discussion: Many viewers have noted the unusual way the final shot was framed, which serves as a lasting image of the movie's legacy.

Ultimately, Interview with a Cannibal's ending serves as a definitive close to this chapter, though the logic used provides enough ambiguity to keep fans debating its true meaning long after the credits roll.

Full Cast & Crew of Interview with a Cannibal

  • Issei Sagawa – Himself

Top Highlights

Issei Sagawa
Issei SagawaHimself

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Interview with a Cannibal has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, Interview with a Cannibal stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Interview with a Cannibal movie hit or flop?

Interview with a Cannibal is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.

Is Interview with a Cannibal worth watching?

Based on the low rating of 4/10, Interview with a Cannibal may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.

Where can I watch Interview with a Cannibal online?

Interview with a Cannibal may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.0
Interview with a Cannibal
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/interview-with-a-cannibal-335333" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 4.0</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Interview with a Cannibal</div></div></a>

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Interview with a Cannibal movie hit or flop?

Interview with a Cannibal is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.

Is Interview with a Cannibal worth watching?

Based on the low rating of 4/10, Interview with a Cannibal may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.

Where can I watch Interview with a Cannibal online?

Interview with a Cannibal may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

What is the story of Interview with a Cannibal?

Interview with a Cannibal is a Documentary movie that follows: Issei Sagawa murdered an innocent woman and spent three days eating her flesh. Due to loopholes in the law, Issei is a free man to this day. Sagawa was declared insane and unfit for trial and was ins...

Is Interview with a Cannibal family friendly?

Interview with a Cannibal is classified as Documentary. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.

What language is Interview with a Cannibal available in?

Interview with a Cannibal is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.

Synopsis

Issei Sagawa murdered an innocent woman and spent three days eating her flesh. Due to loopholes in the law, Issei is a free man to this day. Sagawa was declared insane and unfit for trial and was institutionalized in Paris. His incarceration was to be short, however, as the French public soon grew weary of their hard-earned francs going to support this evil woman-eater, and Issei was promptly deported. Herein followed a bizarre and seemingly too convenient set of legal loopholes and psychiatric reports that led doctors in Japan declaring him "sane, but evil." On August 12, 1986, Sagawa checked himself out of Tokyo's Matsuzawa Psychiatric hospital, and has been a free man ever since.

Critic Reviews

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