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Review

Scotland is not known as a breeding ground for cinematic horror, but the new low-budget, independent werewolf tale Wild Country does a commendable job representing the country, joining a series of other Danger After Dark entries that demonstrate the increasing strength of U.K. horror. Wild Country is a more modest project in its resources, but it’s no less effectively scary. Writer-director Craig Strachan’s feature debut benefits from taking the time to establish the realistic concerns of five appealing teenagers…before they’re subsequently slaughtered in a series of lycanthrope attacks, that is (imagine Ken Loach directing “Degrassi” with arterial blood sprays). Young unwed mother Kelly Ann has just given up her baby for adoption, and decides to go on a church-sponsored camping expedition to forget her recent painful past. Venturing out into the woods with four friends, Kelly Ann is haunted by the sound of a baby crying in the distance -– and indeed, the group does find an abandoned infant. Unfortunately, they also find a werewolf that begins to pick them off one by one, and they have no means of escape. Strachan has spoken of his desire to make a 1970s/80s-styled werewolf movie, and he has succeeded, utilizing American Werewolf in London/Howling-styled animatronic monster FX (designed by the acclaimed Bob Keen, also responsible for Isolation’s slimy FX). Wild Country doesn’t necessarily break new ground, but it stands as a satisfyingly bloody, primal monster thriller from the wilds of Scotland.

 -- Travis Crawford