Endangered Species

Endangered Species is an American mystery thriller that first hit the screens in 1982. The film boasts a fascinating cast, which includes Robert Urich, JoBeth Williams, and Paul Dooley. This gripping noir narrative is drenched in the essence of the early 80s, combining suspense, grit, and just the right amount of science fiction. Directed and co-written by Alan Rudolph, the movie manifests a rich balance between revelation and mystery, keeping its audience at the edge of their seats throughout its 97-minute runtime.

The film starts with Robert Urich portraying washed-up New York cop Ruben Castle, who seeks a life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plagued by his past, Ruben decides to seek peace and quiet in the tranquil lands of the Midwest. He chooses to settle in rural Wyoming with his rebellious teenage daughter, played by Marin Kanter. Here, Ruben hopes to rekindle his relationship with his daughter and escape the trauma of his past. However, their quiet lives quickly change when they cross paths with the town's resourceful yet under-resourced sheriff, Harriet Purdue (JoBeth Williams).

As Ruben and his daughter get acquainted with the town's secrets, they soon find themselves peering into a disturbing mystery. The local cattle have been undergoing inexplicable deaths, and Harriet has been trying to get the bottom of the perplexing phenomena. Sensing something far more nefarious at play, Ruben decides to temporarily wear his cop hat, joining Harriet to unravel the issue. Urich and Williams form a dynamic duo, forming a bond as intriguing as the mystery that hovers over the peaceful town.

The plot unapologetically folds itself into the grey hues of Gothic mystery, framing a stark contrast against the tranquillity of Wyoming's panoramic landscapes. As Urich and Williams delve deeper into the enigma, they find an unexpected link that suggests a conspiracy far more extensive than they initially imagined. With each revelation, they venture deeper into the web of secrecy that threatens the town's idyllic image.

Despite the title's suggestiveness, Endangered Species is not an eco-thriller. Rather, it offers a unique blend of crime, mystery, suspense, and conspiracy. The film’s story pivots along the familiar lines of the science fiction genre, incorporating elements of government cover-ups and alien folklore that were popular in the era. The movie intelligently uses this narrative to reflect the growing environmental consciousness and unease triggering the science-fiction wave back in the ‘80s.

Paul Dooley provides stellar supporting work in his role as the the affable yet highly secretive town Mayor. With his seemingly artless charm and veiled mischievousness, he adds an extra layer of intrigue to the rapidly unfolding plot.

Cinematographic work by Peter Sova greatly contributes to the film’s formidable atmosphere. He beautifully captures the allure of Wyoming's sublime landscapes, using the tranquil imagery as an exciting dichotomy against the suspenseful unpredictability infused in the storyline. Director Alan Rudolph's signature style of quirky humor subtly seeps through the darker undertones of the narrative, providing occasional and necessary relief to the mounting tension.

The film score composed by Mark Isham complements the narrative perfectly. His meditative music deepens the mystery surrounding the peculiar happenings in the town, promoting tension and unease, while also gently suggesting the peaceful side of rural life.

Endangered Species is a perfect choice for viewers in pursuit of vintage thrillers. With a heady mix of suspense, mystery, and the subtle thrill of vintage science fiction, it is seasoned with enough twists and turns to captivate audiences until the last frame. The performance of its star-studded cast, guided by Rudolph's deft hands, is the icing on the cake, making this film an engaging experience for any ardent fan of classic thrillers.