CRITICS REVIEWS:
“A HIGHLY ORIGINAL, EROTIC-CHARGED THRILLER THAT GRIPS YOU IN FROM THE ONSET AND MAKES FOR A SWIFT, ENGROSSING, PAGE-TURNING READ”
-THE BLACK LIST
“A DARK AND ATTENTION-GRABBING SCREENPLAY WITH STRONG MAIN CHARACTERS CONNECTED BY THEIR DEVIANT SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS.”
-THE BLUECAT SCREENPLAY
“EAT ME" IS A DARK, PSYCHOLOGICAL DESCENT INTO THE APPETITES THAT DRIVE US, STRUCTURED AROUND A TWISTED HERO’S JOURNEY AND A DUAL PROTAGONIST WHOSE ARCS ARE INEXTRICABLY ENTWINED. BY MERGING THE CONVENTIONS OF NOIR, EROTIC THRILLER, AND BODY HORROR, THE SCRIPT EXPLORES THE DESTRUCTIVE AND TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF DESIRE, CULMINATING IN A HAUNTING MEDITATION ON THE URGE TO CONSUME—AND BE CONSUMED BY—WHAT WE LOVE MOST.
- NOLAN COVERAGE
"The writing is compelling, and there's a Cronenberg vibe running through the story. It feels like there's a gap in the marketplace between body horror and shock gore, where the aesthetic could really thrive."
- The Black List
“A MEMORABLE AND FASCINATING SCRIPT THAT WILL LEAVE THE AUDIENCE HAUNTED. THERE IS SOME TERRIFIC IMAGERY IN THIS CREEPY THRILLER. IN TERMS OF BOLDNESS, THE SCRIPT IS DYNAMIC AND OUT OF THE BOX.”
- THE ACADEMY NICHOLL FELLOWSHIP SCREENWRITING
“EAT ME IS A BOLD, UNPREDICTABLE PSYCHOLOGICAL EROTIC THRILLER WITH COMPLEX LEAD CHARACTERS. THE "PARASITIC TWIN" ELEMENT MAKES FOR A HIGHLY ORIGINAL GENRE ENTRY. THIS SCREENPLAY RANKS AT 94TH PERCENTILE AND RECEIVED A STRONG CONSIDERATION.”
-GREENLIGHT COVERAGE
"The concept is bold, visually striking, and unflinchingly ambitious, exploring the provocative intersections of sexual desire and cannibalism with a nuanced consideration of societal perspectives and class."
- Blood in the Snow Development Lab 2025
INTRODUCTION:
"EAT ME" is a dark, psychological, and body-horror-tinged drama that weaves together themes of insatiable appetite, desire, identity, and the literal and metaphorical consumption of what one loves. The narrative unfolds primarily through the perspectives of Nicholas Gidi, a world renowned food critic, and later, Natalie Adams, a lawyer with a mysterious past intertwined with Nicholas. The script combines elements of erotic thriller and psychological horror with a Kafkaesque descent into confusion and transformation, culminating in a shocking, cyclical finale.
WRITER & DIRECTORS' VISION:
Eat Me portrays the lethargy and boredom of modern society, which result from the lack of meaningful goals to nourish one’s spiritual and intellectual needs.
The story is told from the point of view of Nicholas—an acclaimed food and restaurant critic—a permanently frustrated man who seeks to fill his personal vacuum with superficial, instant pleasures.
The theme of “Eat Me” is about loneliness, hedonism, and the banality of men who commit dreadful acts to please their carnal desires, which eventually lead them to nothing but their self-destruction.
RIPOMATIC
GENRE & TONE:
"Eat Me" is a bold, unpredictable psychological erotic thriller with complex lead characters.
The story provides a psychological portrait of Nicholas and Natalie, twins exploring the line between their civilized shells and unrestrained animal nature. It's an erotic, violent, metaphorical tale about the hidden parts of ourselves that we keep locked away but that hunger to be expressed.
The tone is dark, gothic, romantic, bizarre, unsettling, twisted, and controversial.
MOOD, LIGHTING & COLOUR:
Lighting and composition will plunge the film into a world of deep chiaroscuro, where night scenes shimmer with humidity and amplify the characters' inner turmoil, casting a shadow of fatalistic pessimism. Shadows will not just set the mood but become characters themselves, sculpting the emotional landscape of each scene. Jagged, oblique lines will slice through the frame, unsettling the viewer and hinting at instability beneath the surface. Light will spotlight both actors and their surroundings, often concealing figures within gritty urban backdrops, their faces half-lost in shadow to heighten mystery and tension. Our goal is to immerse the audience in a visual journey that magnifies the psychological complexity of the characters and the film's brooding atmosphere.
Imagine a world where the empty streets almost always appear aglow with the cool evening rain.
As the characters navigate the city, rainfall tends to increase in direct proportion to the drama, adding an atmospheric, visually striking element to the narrative. This unique and evocative setting will provide a visually stunning backdrop for the emotional journey of our characters, captivating audiences and immersing them in a world where nature mirrors the protagonists' internal conflicts. The rain-soaked streets will serve as a powerful, symbolic reflection of the emotional turbulence in the story, creating a resonant, cinematic experience for the viewer.
CHARACTERS:
Nicholas Gidi (30s -40s)
Type: Male Lead. Smooth, Elegant, Charismatic.
Archetype: The Explorer.
Ethnicity: Caucasian (likely European, possibly Italian or French descent based on name and milieu)
Bio: A world-renowned food critic in his 40s, Nicholas is celebrated for his ruthless honesty and refined palate. He is attractive, athletic, and stylish, but deeply dissatisfied and haunted by inner urges, migraines, and a mysterious protuberance on his nape. His relationships are marked by intensity and destructiveness, particularly with women like Irene and Natalie. Nicholas's journey is a descent into obsession, violence, and self-destruction, culminating in a loss of identity and blurred boundaries between self and other.
Eddie Redmayne
Barry Keoghan
Ezra Miller
Adrien Brody
Natalie Adams (20s -30s)
Type: Female Lead. Beautiful, Smart, Sensual; A femme Fatal.
Archetype: The Temptress.
Bio: A beautiful, enigmatic woman in her 30s, Natalie is both a seductress and a mirror to Nicholas's desires and appetites. She is alluring, mysterious, and plays shifting roles—lover, doctor, fantasy, and ultimately, an inheritor of Nicholas’s psychological and physical legacy. Natalie’s journey parallels and intertwines with Nicholas's, culminating in her own psychological crisis and transformation. The revelation of her parasitic twin and her ultimate assumption of Nicholas's persona suggest a complex, possibly supernatural, psychological connection.
Eiza Gonzales
Alexandra Daddario
Ana de Armas
Adria Arjona
Irene Miller (30s)
Type: Supporting Female.
Archetype: The Martyr.
Bio: Nicholas's agent in her 30s, Irene, is sophisticated, voluptuous, and professional. She manages Nicholas’s career and acts as a voice of reason, often frustrated by his attitude and lack of discipline. Their relationship is complicated by sexual tension, culminating in a fatal, passionate encounter. Irene's death is a turning point for Nicholas, marking his further descent into violence and psychosis.
Brie Larson
Elizabeth Olsen
Allison Williams
Riley Keough
Detective Campbell (50s)
Type: Supporting Male
Archetype: The Sage
Bio: A seasoned detective in his 50s, Campbell is methodical and observant, serving as the narrative’s investigator as he seeks the truth behind the violent events. He provides an external perspective on the chaos surrounding Nicholas and later Natalie, embodying the archetype of the Mentor/Threshold Guardian in the investigation.
Idris Elba
Mahershala Ali
Jeffrey Wright
Kyle Chandler
Holt McCallany
THE DIRECTOR / SCREENWRITER
Film Director David Michan is a distinguished graduate of the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica, a globally recognized cinema school ranked among the top ten by the Hollywood Reporter. The program's highly competitive nature admits only 15 alumni annually, making David's graduation remarkable. His first feature film, "Adverse Effects,” was written, produced, and directed by him within a modest budget and just eighteen days of filming. This film achieved widespread success, earning multiple accolades, including Best Director, Best Picture, Best Editing, and Best Actor, and serving as an official selection at over 30 international film festivals.
Critics have praised Michan's debut feature film as a slow-burning thriller from Mexico with echoes of Taxi Driver, Memento, and Fight Club. It showcases his unique blend of influences and creates a compelling cinematic experience. His work has received acclaim in various screenplay competitions, such as the Fright Night Film Fest, the British Horror Film Festival, and the ScreamCraft Horror Script Contest.
Michan's dedication to his craft led him to receive the Encouragement of Cinematographic Creators scholarship from IMCINE, advised by film director Jorge Michel Grau. Additionally, he participated in the 12° Course of the Development of Cinematographic Projects in Madrid, Spain, by IBERMEDIA and Fundación Carolina. Here, he was mentored by David Muñoz, screenwriter for Guillermo del Toro's The Devil's Backbone, and Alejandro Hernández, screenwriter for All of the Women, which won the 2014 Goya Award for Best Screenwriter.
Michan's directorial experience is diverse and extensive. He has directed promotions for the television series Telemundo- NBC Universal Network, which earned him various awards in the USA. His latest feature film, "The Girls Inside the Photograph," filmed in Vancouver, BC, had its World Premiere at Dances With Films: NY 2026 in the Midnight Series Program and received an Honorable Mention from the jury at the Buried Alive Film Festival in Atlanta, GA, USA. Furthermore, he currently holds the position of Lead Film Directing Instructor at Infocus Film School in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where he continues contributing to the film industry through his mentorship and instruction.
PRODUCER SUMMARY
Initiatives:
• Completed draft and secured copyright/WGA registration to protect IP
• Assembled creative team - director, producers to champion vision
• Developed sizzle reel/pitch deck to showcase tone and potential
• Submitted to reputable screenwriting labs/contests for feedback/exposure
• Built a website and social profiles to generate awareness and an audience
Ongoing Efforts:
• Refine draft based on coverage; tighten plot, develop characters
• Identify festivals to submit script and test audience response
• Cultivate relationships with sales agents, financiers at festivals/markets
• Approach studios/production companies that back similar films
• Explore crowdfunding campaign to prove demand and leverage for financing
• Apply to grants and residencies that support distinctive storytelling
Perspectives:
• Remain nimble to adapt to changing trends and producer priorities
• Leverage momentum from early successes to attract higher-level partners
• Consider stepping back to produce rather than direct for oversight
• Explore co-production partnerships that provide access to international funds/talent
• Be prepared to develop IP in multiple media - series, novel, etc., for IP leverage
• Continue engaging communities to ensure the story evolves respectfully.
• Consulting queer horror voices.
The goal is to advance the project strategically through creative relationships, early
proof of concept, and adaptive perspectives to make it shovel-ready for production
opportunities. Ongoing development keeps the momentum going.
Target Audiences:
Based on the genre and themes explored in the screenplay, the target audience would likely be:
• Fans of psychological thrillers and horror films. The screenplay blends elements of psychological drama, horror, and surrealism to create an unsettling and thought-provoking story. Audiences who enjoy films like Black Swan, Fight Club, and Se7en would appreciate it.
• Open-minded genre fans. While the subject matter deals with taboo topics like cannibalism and sexuality graphically, the screenplay handles it with artistic merit rather than gratuitous shock value. Genre fans looking for something unconventional.
• Mature audiences. The intense violence, sexuality, and dark themes would limit the audience to mature viewers, say 17+. It's not intended as mainstream entertainment.
• Art house cinema fans. In addition to genre elements, the screenplay explores complex themes of human nature, identity, and transformation in a surreal style. Those who enjoy thought-provoking independent films.
• Dual gender audience. While the story centers on LGBTQ+ characters and blurs gender norms, the universal themes of desire and the duality of human nature would appeal to both male and female viewers.
• International/festival crowds. The screenplay's bold vision and themes have the potential to find appreciative audiences at film festivals and art houses worldwide, especially in major markets such as the US, Europe, and Asia, where unique genre films find success.
So, in summary, the core target audience would be mature fans of psychologically intense, artistically driven genre films seeking something unconventional and thought-provoking. The screenplay has the potential to cross over from genre audiences to arthouse crowds as well.
PROJECT STATUS
• "EAT ME" has already garnered industry attention. It received a Strong Consider rating from The Black List and secured a quarterfinalist spot in the Stage32 Search for New Blood Contest. The screenplay has been showcased at prestigious festivals like Sitges and Fantastic Fest, affirming its international potential. The project has been submitted to reputable screenwriting labs and contests and has established an online presence through a dedicated website and social profiles.
COMPARABLE TITLES
“American Psycho" (2000)** - A psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a wealthy New York City investment banking executive who hides his alternate psychopathic ego. The screenplay's exploration of Nicholas's dual life and descent into madness mirrors Patrick Bateman's journey. Box Office: $34.3 million.
The Substance” (2024) - A French-American body horror satire directed by Coralie Fargeat, starring Demi Moore as an aging actress who injects a black-market serum to spawn a youthful alter ego, only for the experiment to devolve into grotesque mutation and self-destruction, paralleling “Eat Me”’s narrative of opulent gluttony escalating into cannibalistic horror as a metaphor for the devouring pursuit of unattainable perfection. Box Office: $77.3 million
“Raw" (2016)** - A French-Belgian horror film that explores cannibalism, identity, and transformation among veterinary school students, echoing the screenplay's themes of forbidden desires and the consumption of what one loves. Box Office: $3.1 million.
Shame” (2011) - A British-American erotic psychological drama directed by Steve McQueen, starring Michael Fassbender as a sex addict whose meticulously compartmentalized life crumbles under the weight of compulsion and sibling intrusion, resonating with “Eat Me”’s descent from sybaritic indulgence to cannibalistic frenzy, both unflinchingly dissecting how unchecked appetites erode identity and intimacy. Box Office: $20.4 million.
AUDIENCES CONNECTION
• Film Festival Strategy - Submit to genre/art house festivals to get noticed by distributors and audiences. Aim for major festivals like Sundance, Sitges, SXSW, TIFF first, then work our way down.
• Online Presence - Set up a professional website/IMDb pro page to house updates, behind-the-scenes material. Be active on social media (Twitter, Facebook) to engage fans and build buzz.
• Pitch Deck - Create a polished investor/producer deck highlighting the vision, references, and potential returns to attract production partners.
• Blog/Publications - Pitch articles on our screenplay/process to genre publications like Bloody Disgusting, Dread Central, to reach dedicated fans.
• Conventions - Attend genre/film festivals to network, conduct Q&As and gauge interest from core fans in our screenplay.
• Screenings - Organize one-off screenings in major cities, partnering with Alamo Drafthouse and arthouse cinemas, to test audience reactions.
• Crowdfunding - A crowdfunding campaign on platforms like Kickstarter to pre-sell and prove demand from the built-in audience.
• Influencers - Reach out to genre podcasts, YouTube channels and have them read/review the script to leverage their following.
• Mailing List - Drive traffic to our website and build an email list of interested parties to keep them updated on our progress.
• The key is having a multi-pronged strategy to immerse our screenplay in the target communities and gauge genuine interest from the built-in fanbase.
SCRIPT ACCOLADES
* Script ranked in the top 10% placement in Coverfly.
* Overall Rating: 8/10, this screenplay ranks at the 94th percentile and received a Strong Consider. "Greenlight Coverage."
* Quarterfinalist, Stage32 - Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest 8th Annual.
* Selected for the Pitchbox at Sitges Film Festival. Spain.
* Awarded as "Excellence Script" with an 8.5/10 score at the Filmarket Hub Script Analysis.
* Semifinalist at the screenwriting contest “Diverse Voices” presented by WeScreenplay. USA.
* 12th Development Workshop for Ibero-american Screenwriters at the IBERMEDIA program and Carolina Foundation, Madrid, España. Tutors: Screenwriter Alejandro Hernandez, Goya winner for “Todas las mujeres” and David Muñoz, co-writer of “The Devil's Backbone” of Guillermo del Toro.
* Winner Project of the Morbido/Latam Consultation Award at the Pitch Market Fantastic Fest, Austin, TX. USA.
* Impulse Program for Cinematographic Creators at IMCINE. México, D.F. Tutor: Jorge Michel Grau, director and screenwriter of "We are what we are."
* Selected project at Ventana Sur for the Pitch Market in the section Beyond The Window. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
* Official Selection in the script contest at the Fright Night Film Fest. Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
*Quarter Finalists at the Scream Craft Horror Script Contest in Association with the Blood List, USA.
* Official Selection in the script contest at the British Horror Film Festival, U.K.
Thank you!