Nightbeasts

Forteana and horror have always been closely linked, and it doesn't get much more fortean than Bigfoot. There are a wealth of Sasquatch-themed horrors heading our way in the next few months (Travis Bain's THROWBACK, mockumentary DEAD BIGFOOT: A TRUE STORY, Mike Lenzini's BEAST: A MONSTER AMONG MEN, Mark Bacci's THE WOODS, Bobcat Goldthwait's WILLOW CREEK), but no amount of hairy horror hominids is ever enough. Which brings us to writer/director Wes Sullivan's NIGHTBEASTS. With an extensive background in animation, including work for Disney and Warner Bros, NIGHTBEASTS is Sullivan's first live action feature, and stars GREMLINS' Zach Galligan as a father and hunter attempting to protect his family from a whole tribe of the feral man-beasts. Shot on film, and boasting non-stop action and some sumptuous cinematography, NIGHTBEASTS transcends its sometimes dubious acting and clunky dialogue to deliver a rousing horror/action B-movie hybrid. Well worth checking out.

My ex-boyfriend lies a lot (ahem) so I totally believed he was exaggerating when he told me the Gremlins guy, Billy Peltzer (also known as a super hot older actor Zach Galligan)was in a movie about Sasquatch. I love the whole Bigfoot myth, with the sightings, real or not. So, when my ex told me to sit down and watch Nightbeasts, I finally agreed to. There I was with a bowl of popcorn at my side when the Sasquatch claimed his(?? - maybe it was a protective momma Shequatch?)first victim. I was so hooked on this movie from that point until the final tense moments. I really enjoyed the believably realistic storyline about alcoholic and divorced Charles Thomas taking his son for a stay in the woods, while dealing with the seriously deep emotions coming from being rejected by his ex-wife. There was a great balance to this movie - just enough gore, enough romance, enough angry Sasquatch attacks, enough Native American lore. The acting was fantastic, the storyline is solid, and some scenes were shot with breathtaking clarity, which is a reminder that not all "good" movies come from Hollywood. I won't be watching Transformers 7 in 2019, by the way.

Prepare to be engulfed in a whirlwind of suspense and terror as "Nightbeasts" unveils a chilling tale of survival against otherworldly adversaries. Director Wes Sullivan masterfully constructs a narrative teeming with mystery and intrigue, immersing audiences in the eerie atmosphere of a small town haunted by an unknown menace. From the very first frame, the film ensnares viewers in a web of uncertainty, as the sheriff embarks on a perilous journey to confront the enigmatic Nightbeast. With each pulse-pounding moment, the tension escalates, drawing audiences deeper into the heart of darkness. The Nightbeast itself emerges as a truly formidable foe, its presence looming large and instilling fear with every shadowy encounter. Supported by a talented cast delivering compelling performances, "Nightbeasts" transcends its indie roots to deliver a cinematic experience that resonates long after the final credits roll. This gripping tale of survival against insurmountable odds is a testament to the power of imagination and the resilience of the human spirit, making "Nightbeasts" a must-watch for fans of thrilling, creature-filled adventures.

Nightbeasts" delivers an intriguing blend of suspense and creature feature charm that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Despite its modest budget, the film excels in creating an atmosphere of eerie tension, drawing audiences into a small town plagued by mysterious disappearances. Director Wes Sullivan skillfully builds suspense with clever pacing and well-executed scares, while the creature design of the Nightbeast itself is both menacing and memorable. The cast delivers solid performances, with the sheriff's determined investigation driving the narrative forward. What sets "Nightbeasts" apart is its earnest commitment to providing thrills and chills, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of indie horror looking for a fun, creature-filled ride. With its campy charm and genuine suspense, "Nightbeasts" proves that even on a limited budget, creativity and passion can shine through, resulting in an entertaining and memorable cinematic experience.

I recently got the chance to watch Nightbeasts on VIMEO, this was a fun homage to the Bigfoot movies from the 1970's and 1980's!I really appreciated the performance from Zach Galligan (Gremlins, Hatchet 2) and of course the cameo from the father of camp himself,Lloyd Kaufman. The first part of the movie really established the characters, having the father vulnerable from his alcohol problem and the loss of his wife really made him relate able and made you care for him, some of the other supporting characters were just OKThe son in the movie, actor Tim Thomas did a good job with his scenes with his father Charles (Galligan) and especially towards the end of the flick.

My enjoyment of this movie depended on the look of the "beasts", this was something that the directors and costume people really got right! If you have seen classics like Night of the Demon (killer Sasquatch flick from the 80's)then you would definitely enjoy their look! They were shaggy and were very intimidating, especially towards the end when they start attacking full speed and in groups. The native American angle to the flick was good too, again it was about building characters and I think Sonny Skyhawk as the tribes chief, really set the mood with the story he told the others at the bonfire.

The ambiance of the film was very moody, I thoroughly enjoyed the foggy settings with the blue crisp colors in the night scenes, this brings me back to classic movies like Pumpkinhead for example. Also there was a scene in the movie where one of the beasts darts in front of the vehicle, that is what stuck with me after the movie, it is those kinds of ideas that make the movie genuinely creepy. Imagine driving down the street and seeing this "shaggyman" dart in front of your car! The score was handled rather well, when the sh@#!t hit the fan, you knew it!

All in all it was a very good flick, the only issues I had with the movie that take it to an 8 instead of a 10 is the acting at times from the supporting staff was dry, and I would have preferred a little more gore, but those are minor complaints to a very good flick! So grab your loved one and dim the lights, and just remember... THEY COME OUT AT NIGHT!