Feral

Feral is an unnerving horror movie released in 2017 from director Mark H. Young, which delves deep into the groves of suspense, violence, and fright. The tension-packed film features memorable performances from industry veterans such as Scout Taylor-Compton, Olivia Luccardi and Lew Temple.

Scout Taylor-Compton who has a decorative horror resume, including her performance as Laurie Strode in Rob Zombie's transformative Halloween series, plays the protagonist role of Alice in Feral. Alice is a medical student who fiercely attempts to combine her education and survival instincts in the fight against the terror that awaits her and her friends in the wilderness.

Olivia Luccardi, known for her roles in horror movies like "It Follows," portrays Jules, Alice's best friend, and an essential character within this frightful circle of friends. Completing this compelling ensemble is Lew Temple, whose past roles in critically acclaimed productions, including "The Walking Dead," adds greater depth to the chilling narrative of Feral as the creepy solitary hunter living in isolation.

The plot of Feral revolves around a group of six good friends who embark on a serene hiking trip into the remote woods, intending to celebrate their graduation from medical school. However, the blissful setting quickly transforms into a living nightmare when the group is ambushed by a pack of wild, deadly creatures. These are no ordinary beasts, as they are seemingly 'feral', exhibiting human-like characteristics that heighten the horror of their predatory nature.

This terrifying situation forces the members of the group to confront their deepest fears and rely on their instincts and survival skills. Alice, who initially comes across as a quiet, reserved, and academically-oriented individual, soon becomes the group's beacon of hope. With her tenacity and medical knowledge, she attempts to keep her friends safe from the morbid and increasingly savage creatures that have made them prey.

The group is fortunate to find a seemingly abandoned cabin in the woods, where they take refuge and attempt to defend themselves against the bloodthirsty attackers. However, desperation and fear take hold as the cabin does not offer the sanctuary they need, instead becoming a grim trap that forces them to confront the horrifying predators.

While the situation becomes more desperate and the group's numbers dwindle, they stumble upon a lone survivor in the wilderness, played by Lew Temple. This survivor carries an air of mystery and ambiguity, which only fuels the suspenseful tension and terror within the plot. These elements make the character an exciting addition to the narrative and a puzzle for the audience to decipher.

Director Mark H. Young expertly draws upon genre staples to create an unsettling atmosphere in Feral. The movie's isolated, woodland setting helps to amplify the feelings of vulnerability and fear. The viewer's anticipation is further heightened by the unknown nature of the feral beasts.

Feral showcases visceral and haunting creature design, which, combined with the movie's thrilling pace and suspenseful sequences, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film successfully uses physical violence and gore to increase the horror intensities, but it's the psychological horror elements that give Feral its most chilling moments.

In Feral, the central theme isn't just survival but also the underlying examination of humanity's animalistic nature when pushed to the edge. The movie tests its characters' loyalty and morality and raises the haunting question of how far a person is willing to go to survive.

With its disturbing premise, edge-of-the-seat suspense, and immersive performances, Feral is a film crafted to make viewers question their limits in a fight against nature. Its exploration of fear, survival, and human nature in the face of sheer terror makes for a heart-pounding cinematic experience. Feral serves as a chilling reminder of how quickly circumstances can devolve when faced with unknown horrors in the wild.