Frogs

Frogs from 1972 is a sci-fi horror film that revolves around the essence of nature fighting back against pollution and human carelessness. The film directed by George McCowan is a unique blend of ecological consciousness and horror tropes, starring Ray Milland, Sam Elliott, and Joan Van Ark.

The main story unfolds on an island that is under the ownership of an affluent yet uncaring patriarch Jason Crockett, played by the enigmatic Ray Milland. Milland, a former Oscar-winning actor, portrays a disabled Southern tycoon who resides in his mansion with his dysfunctional family and hangers-on. His character is an embodiment of apathy towards the environment, relying heavily on different pesticides and harmful substances to keep his estate bug-free, even if it means ruining the local ecosystem.

Amid the family's annual independence day celebration, a nature photographer Pickett Smith (played by Sam Elliott) arrives at the scene. Smith is a down-to-earth man, who, while canoeing around the area for his work, witnesses the increasing pollution caused by the Crockett family. As the story deepens, Pickett emerges as a contrasting character to Crockett, being a man of principles and someone who respects the environment. This role was one of Elliott's earliest, and he embodies the character thoroughly, bringing his signature charm and charisma to the part.

Joan Van Ark plays the role of Karen Crockett, one of the island owner's daughters. Her character, like Elliott's, is distinct from the remaining family members. Through her interaction with Pickett Smith, she begins to question her family's destructive lifestyle. Van Ark’s performance adds another layer to the narrative, representing a potential for change and evolution within the Crockett family.

As the celebration begins, nature starts to retaliate due to the overwhelming pollution that has upset its balance. Remarkably, the 'antagonists' in this horror film are not some fantastical beasts, but everyday creatures one might find in their backyard. The frogs, prominently featured in the title and poster, serve as the symbolic leaders of this rebellion. However, they are not the only animals included in the bizarre revolution - other creatures like snakes, spiders, and alligators also join them, making the scenario increasingly terrifying for the human characters.

The special effects for Frogs were practical, considering its production time in the 70s, further enhancing the sense of reality in this nightmare scenario. Accompanied by chilling sound effects and occasional creepy music, Frogs creates a truly surreal and strange atmosphere that successfully leaves a lasting impression on its audience.

A central theme of the movie is its ecological message. It was one of the first to integrate this cautionary tale. Unlike most traditional horror films, its enemy isn't a ghost, a masked murderer, or a supernatural entity - instead, it is nature itself, serving as a wake-up call for the preservation of the natural world. With its unique plot and safety-be-damned attitude towards chemicals and pollution, Frogs could be seen as an early propagator of the Green message.

Despite not being a big-budget blockbuster, Frogs carries a sense of charm and purpose transpiring from the script onto the screen, which succeeds in highlighting the vulnerabilities of humans when nature decides to fight back. It presents an uncanny yet vital message about the consequences of mankind's actions on the environment.

Frogs is an unforgettable 'creature feature' filled with thrills, spills, and chills. It's a unique blend of ecological warnings and fear elements with a fascinating narrative thread. It's not just a traditional horror movie; rather, it is a reflective commentary on humanity's environmental responsibilities. For lovers of horror with a purpose or the inexplicably strange, this movie might be a worthy watch. The performances of Milland, Elliott, and Van Ark add more flavor and depth to the storytelling, making Frogs a memorable entry in the eco-horror genre of the '70s.