Barney Burman's Wild Boar

In the world of horror-comedy films comes the thrilling 2019 production, Barney Burman's "Wild Boar," starring Anton Burman, Barney Burman, and Jeff Caperton. This jaw-dropping independent feature film marks the directorial debut of renowned make-up artist Barney Burman, who combines his powerfully twisted creativity, exceptional make-up skills, and fertile imagination to deliver a rollercoaster ride of thrills, chills, and unexpected humor. The movie shot primarily on location in the dry and barren landscapes of Valley Wells, California, captures a foreboding environment that perfectly underscores the sinister atmosphere of the film.

The storyline follows a geocaching expedition that takes a terrible turn. Geocaching, for those unfamiliar with the term, is an outdoor recreational activity in which participants use a GPS receiver or mobile device to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches," at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. In the movie, a group of adventurous treasure hunters departs on a seemingly ordinary geocaching quest but soon finds more than they’ve bargained for in the remote Californian desert. The expedition plunges into chaos when they stray into the forbidden territory of genetically altered wild boars—beings strange and terrifying, born from the dark side of science and human curiosity.

Anton Burman, as the confident but somewhat blundering leader of the group, delivers an approachable and human performance that quickly aligns the audience's sympathies towards himself and his disjointed team. Jeff Caperton, the greedy financier on whose behalf the team is seeking the cache, convincingly portrays the hubris and ambition that can lead a man to flirt with disaster. Meanwhile, director Barney Burman makes a compelling onscreen appearance, expertly layering his performance with a mix of fear, determination, and a hint of madness.

The true stars of the film, however, are the terrifying creatures. These aren't your everyday wild boars; they are far more horrifying, standing as a testament to Barney Burman’s decades-long career in the industry as a professional make-up artist. His experience gained from working on various Hollywood projects (including a 2010 Oscar win for Best Makeup for Star Trek) shines through as these horrific creatures spring to life on screen, making each encounter with them nerve-wracking and intense.

The movie also delves into the unethical side of genetic modification. Without trying to offer any moral lecture, it still manages to spark a conversation around the subject. Barney Burman uses the medium of horror-comedy to make a subtle statement on the potential pitfalls of unchecked scientific experimentation and the devastating effects it can have on nature, animals, and ultimately, humans.

Humor plays a significant role in the film, used expertly to break up the tension and give viewers a chance to catch their breath. The mix of comedy and horror is the heart of “Wild Boar,” creating a unique viewing experience. It is full of cracks and jokes that manage to raise a smile even in the most frightening situations, displaying an excellent script-writing talent that perfectly balances laughs with screams.

The cinematography of the film is another aspect worth mentioning. The desolate landscapes, coupled with edgy camera work, make the viewers feel as though they are a part of the expedition. The choice of lighting, the scene compositions, and the use of natural hues create an atmosphere that adds to the overall eeriness of the movie.

“Wild Boar” is not purely about inciting fear, as it also encapsulates themes of survival, camaraderie, and the will to escape against all odds—that's the human spirit present amidst the horror and the havoc. It's a story about how ordinary people can rise to extraordinary occasions when their survival is at stake.

To wrap it up, Barney Burman's "Wild Boar" is a heart-pounding thrill ride with an impressive mix of horror, humor, and human drama. A film that pays homage to the creature features of the past while offering a fresh and horrifying twist on the genre that will leave you on the edge of your seat, laughing one moment and screaming the next. It’s an indie hidden gem that every horror-comedy enthusiast should experience.