Director: Branko Schmidt
Cast: Rene Bitorajac, Zrinka Cvitešić, Leon Lučev
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“No dogs were harmed in the making of this movie.”

They certainly can’t say the same about the humans. A Vegetarian Cannibal, gynaecologist Dr. Babić devours the people around him. He forges test results, blackmails enemies, seduces women and bribes officials – and that’s just the people he works with. His patients, pregnant women ranging from illegally trafficked prostitutes to his friend’s unwanted mistress, get it even worse.

Cold and ruthless, Rene Bitorajac’s lead performance is a textbook example of how to play an outwardly charming psychopath. He’s so icy, he even makes topless drumming look cool. The equally strong supporting cast, meanwhile, only implicate themselves as they let his wrongdoing continue.

Branko Schmidt’s occasionally graphic drama follows Babić’s relentless rule-breaking, right up until everything threatens to come crashing down around him. The way it all resolves only makes his actions more horrifying; not because he’s a monster, but because modern society loves him for it. 

Blood splatters. Heads roll – metaphorically, of course. And it all unfolds with a chilling, clinical cleanliness that speaks volumes. No wonder it's Croatia's entry for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars. I can’t wait for a sequel in which he becomes a vet.