Unnatural

Unnatural is a thrilling horror movie released in 2015. From the mind of director Hank Braxtan, this action-packed film brings together an admirable cast, including James Remar, Sherilyn Fenn, and Ron Carlson, to tell a chilling tale set in the freezing Alaskan wilderness. The movie effortlessly amalgamates elements of science fiction, human drama, and raw survival, while feeding the viewers' fascination with man-made monsters.

Unnatural is a stunning exploration of the dangerous repercussions potentially waiting when mankind tampers with nature. Set against the frosty and desolate backdrop of Alaska, the pristine wilderness proves to be a significant character in its own right - a hauntingly beautiful yet merciless landscape that plays an integral role in the storyline.

The lead protagonist, Martin Nakos, performed convincingly by James Remar, is a wildlife photographer who finds himself in an unimaginable nightmare whilst out on a job. Remar delivers an engaging performance, portraying his role's fear and determination brilliantly as unexpected events unfold. His character’s love and respect for the natural world is an integral facet of his personal journey and is well explored throughout the film.

Opposite Remar, the talented Sherilyn Fenn portrays Dr. Hannah Lindval, a dedicated scientist labeled a pseudo-scientist by her critics who clashes with the photographer upon their initial meeting. As tensions rise and secrets are uncovered, their relationship grows increasingly complex, adding a compelling layer of human drama to the film’s horror-thriller narrative.

Supporting actor Ron Carlson takes on the role of Buff Jenkins, a carefree hunter who’s along for the excursion. Jenkins, initially dismissive of the danger lurking in the treacherous Alaska wilderness, wildly underestimates the forthcoming terror and adds a sense of angst to the ensemble's dynamics.

The movie pulls no punches when it comes to delving into the world of genetic modification, fused with the age-old tale of the human-created monster coming to wreak havoc on its creators. The film’s antagonist, created through genetic experimentation, is a grisly and gruesome embodiment of mankind’s nightmarish creations when they dare to meddle with nature’s course. The creature's design marks one of the movie's highlight – a blend of terrifying detail and bone-chilling realism.

One of the standout features of Unnatural is its utilization of Alaska’s vast, frigid landscapes. The wide, wintry vistas serve not only as an atmospheric backdrop but also as an unforgiving adversary, creating an all-encompassing sense of isolation and uncontrollable dread. The startling cinematography creates an eerily beautiful setting that contrasts sharply against the gruesome horror unfolding within it. It never lets you forget that our protagonists are in a desolate, isolated location, far removed from any aid or civilization.

Unnatural is a well-executed horror film, going beyond the typical horror premise. Braxtan proves that you can infuse genre conventions such as horror and thriller with nuanced human drama to make for a highly engaging viewing experience. Further augmented by spectacular cinematography and tight editing, it makes certain that any fan of the horror genre will want to get their teeth into this film.

Moreover, the haunting score composed by Edwin Wendler adds an additional layer of tension to the narrative, heightening each scene’s suspense and further immersing the viewer into the chilling reality of the onscreen events.

Despite the surface-level horror components, Unnatural goes beyond the entertainment factor, posing compelling questions about mankind's intervention in nature. It deals with the ethical implications of genetic modification, positing the sobering thought: just because science can create something, does it mean it should?

Heralding an atmospheric fusion of horror, thriller, and drama, Unnatural remains a noteworthy addition to the genre. It delivers everything one might expect from a man versus nature narrative, while also weaving in social commentary on scientific ethics. Unnatural is suspenseful, terrifyingly captivating, and dares to push boundaries as a monstrous tale of survival and regret. Throughout the movie, the raw power of nature reigns supreme, eliciting spine-chilling suspense that’ll have you on the edge of your seat until the closing credits.

Unnatural is an engaging horror movie that packs plenty of chills and thrills, and it maintains an underlying commentary on humankind's reckless endeavors in toying with natural order. For lovers of the horror genre, this film offers an array of bone-chilling moments waiting to be discovered. It’s an engrossing creature feature with a strong ensemble cast that shouldn’t be missed by any die-hard fan of the genre. This is the kind of movie that will have you peering warily into the wilderness long after the credits have rolled.