This 1979 movie was a surprisingly hauntingly scary movie. It contained some scenes that made me feel like I was watching one of my worst nightmares. The effects and general feel of it are unsettling and almost surreal.
The premise is a logging company releases toxins into the water that creates mutants in the beautiful Maine woodlands. A researcher with his wife in tow go to check it out and run into some of the creepiest versions of animal mutations possible. What’s so upsetting about this film is seeing animals that look familiar, but then have a twist. Sometimes, the most frightening thing is something familiar in an unfamiliar manner, such as when Japanese films have people crawling like crabs. Creep-o-rama.
This movie bothered me for weeks and months after seeing it. In fact, when I want a genuinely creeped out feeling, this is the one to pop into the DVD player. It has some recognizable actors like Robert Foxworth and Talia Shire (from “Rocky” fame), and the super sexy Armand Assante. It had a definite message about man and the environment and the Native American’s feelings on such matters.
Beyond the message, the movie is dark, deep into the woods, with feelings of vulnerability, horror, and a scene that so bothered me that I can’t get it out of my head as one of the creepiest “one of my nightmares” type qualities; when they’re in the lake trying to outswim “It.” (you’ll know what I mean when you see it).
I strongly advise seeing this film. I don’t know how it stayed under the radar. It’s just got this freaky thing about it that sticks with you long after seeing it and it also has a twist ending that adds more horror to the mix.
If you liked “Tremors,” “The Day of the Animals,” or just about any killer bear in the woods type of movies, you’ll love this movie.
Just don’t watch it before you go camping!