Did you know the creators of Stranger Things had a fascination with cannibalism long before the Upside Down? Yes, you read that right! In the series finale, Jonathan Byers teases an 'anti-capitalist cannibal movie' called The Consumer, but here’s the twist: the Duffer Brothers actually made their own cannibal short film nearly two decades ago! And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just a coincidence; it’s a deep dive into their creative roots.
Before Stranger Things became a global phenomenon, Matt and Ross Duffer were budding filmmakers experimenting with short films. One of these early projects was Eater, a chilling 18-minute horror short they co-directed during their time at California’s Dodge College. Sound familiar? Just like Jonathan Byers, the Duffers were crafting cannibal tales while in college! But here’s where it gets controversial—was Eater a mere student project, or a foreshadowing of their darker storytelling tendencies?
Based on Peter Crowther’s short story of the same name, Eater follows a rookie cop (played by Emanuel Borria) working the night shift at a police station while a cannibal prisoner is on the loose. The film, released in 2007, offers a suspenseful glimpse into the Duffers’ early style—a full decade before Stranger Things premiered. But the connections don’t stop there. Emanuel Borria, the star of Eater, later reunited with the Duffers in Stranger Things 5, playing Sergeant Luis Ramirez in three episodes. Talk about coming full circle!
Now, here’s another layer to this intriguing story: Peter Crowther’s short story was adapted again just one year after Eater was released. Stuart Gordon turned it into an episode of NBC’s horror anthology Fear Itself, a spiritual successor to Masters of Horror. This raises a thought-provoking question: Were the Duffers paying homage to Crowther’s work, or were they unknowingly setting the stage for future adaptations? What do you think?
Whether you’re a die-hard Stranger Things fan or a horror aficionado, Eater is a must-watch. It’s not just a short film; it’s a window into the minds of two creators who would later redefine pop culture. So, grab some popcorn (but maybe not during the cannibal scenes) and check out Eater below. And while you’re at it, let us know in the comments—do you think the Duffers’ early work influenced Stranger Things, or is it just a fun coincidence? The debate is open!
