Serial killer Hannibal Lecter, the creation of author Thomas Harris, returns to the big screen this weekend in Hannibal Rising. The film follows Lecter (Gaspard Ulliel) through his formative childhood in Lithuania and tormented adolescence in France. On a quest for vengeance, Lecter meets his late uncle’s wife (Li Gong) who helps him avoid the authorities.

Hannibal Rising is an intellectual treat for fans of the series who wondered what motivated the killer. Harris’ screenplay vividly depicts the horrors of Lecter’s younger years in war-torn Eastern Europe, explaining why Hannibal kills his victims and then feasts on their victims’ remains. The dark cinematography leaves you feeling something terrible could happen at any moment. Director Peter Webber relies heavily on flashbacks and closeups to bring the gruesome detail to life; you can practically taste the blood.

As expected in a film centered around murder and man-eating, Hannibal Rising sports more blood and gore than a butcher shop. The carnage is stunningly realistic, moving away from stylized, Tarantino-esque violence. Those with a fear of needles are forewarned: You will squirm in your seat more times than you can count.

The film also takes a plunge into dangerous territory with its casting and pacing. The absence of Anthony Hopkins is painfully obvious. Young Lecter just doesn’t have the same presence and mystery as the Hannibal that Hopkins brought to life. And a running time 30 minutes too long plagues this thriller.

Yet despite flaws throughout the film, Harris succeeds in adapting his book to the silver screen, and Hannibal Rising is a more emotional, introspective work than its predecessors. The relationship between Hannibal and his uncle’s wife, Lady Murasaki, is a highlight, giving new insight to Hannibal’s dealings with Clarice Starling in earlier films.

Hannibal Rising is a solid thriller, intriguing enough for mystery buffs and suspenseful enough to please those looking to get scared. Just don’t bring anything to eat.