Night of the Wild

Night of the Wild is an intense and thrilling 2015 creature feature directed by Eric Red. The film boasts a compelling ensemble cast led by Rob Morrow, Kelly Rutherford, and Tristin Mays. This horror and action-filled film is set in the serene town of Falls City, Oregon, which is unexpectedly plunged into chaos as its canine population turns rabid and deadly.

Rob Morrow, renowned for his roles in 'Northern Exposure' and 'Numb3rs', gives an exceptional performance as Dave, the town's local veterinarian. Dave, who shares a close bond with his dog and has deep roots in the community, is thrown into the heart of the crisis. Morrow's portrayal of Dave is intensely empathetic as he channels the confusion, determination, and heartbreak of a man caught up in a nightmarish situation.

Kelly Rutherford, widely recognized from 'Gossip Girl', is striking as Sara, Dave's wife, who is also struggling to come to grips with the shocking turn of events. Her warm-hearted character quickly turns into a person hell-bent on survival, which Rutherford portrays convincingly. As the tension rises, we see Sara digging into her deepest reserve of strength and resilience to fight the lethal threat sweeping through the town.

Completing the trio of main characters is Tristin Mays, known for her role in 'MacGyver'. She plays Rosalyn in the film, Sara's daughter and a quintessential teenager. Mays injects youthful energy into the film, and her character's development from an ordinary teenager into a grizzled survivor is portrayed with versatility and depth. Amidst the chaos, she stands as a beacon of courage and willpower.

Night of the Wild begins on what seems like an average day in Falls City, before an ethereal greenish meteor shower takes the townspeople by surprise. The town's quiet is subsequently shattered by their trusted dogs, who suddenly and inexplicably turn aggressive, subsequently wreaking havoc. The town quickly devolves into a battleground infused with terror and confusion, as the once calm and friendly neighborhood dogs turn into ferocious and unrecognizable creatures.

The sudden shift from idyllic tranquility to horrific carnage forms the crux of Night of the Wild. Director Eric Red, known for his films like 'Body Parts' and 'Bad Moon', creates a tense and chilling atmosphere through sharp, quick-paced storytelling. The movie is energized by the unexpected and dramatic transformation of man's best friend into terrifying beasts, leading the audience through a chilling journey of survival.

Director Red also explores the deeper themes of love, family, and loyalty through the chaos and devastation in Night of the Wild. He shows how adversity brings out the best and worst in people, as they fight not only for their survival but also for those they hold dear.

Notably, Night of the Wild stands out for its special effects and sound design that amplify the horror. The VFX team has done a commendable job of creating convincingly threatening dogs, making the threat seem all the more real. Meanwhile, the sound design heightens the terror and suspense, making the audience feel more connected to the horrifying experience of the characters.

Though Night of the Wild falls under the 'creature feature' genre, it is not purely focused on suspense and horror. There are occasional light-hearted moments, and there's a strong undercurrent of human drama that gives the movie its heart. The way in which each character grapples with the shock, fear, and eventually, the determination to survive, brings depth to what could easily have been a one-note horror film.

In conclusion, Night of the Wild is a gripping and spine-chilling movie that places everyday characters into an extraordinary and terrifying scenario. Despite being a horror film at its core, it explores the complexities of human nature and relationships under extreme circumstances. With a stellar cast and stupendous special effects, Night of the Wild is an exhilarating journey of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of human spirit.