RAZORBACK: A must-see hidden gem of horror cinema

Russell Mulcahy is a name most film buffs associate with the cult classic Highlander. Everyone fondly remembers the VHS craze surrounding the legendary adventures of Connor MacLeod. However, this Australian director also has other interesting titles to his name, often overlooked even by hardcore cinema fans. One such film is Razorback – a suspenseful horror movie about a… man-eating wild boar. As absurd as that may sound, the concept is executed with such incredible finesse that you’ll find yourself applauding during the screening.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is the thick, skillfully crafted atmosphere. The combination of moody music and striking visuals can make your hair stand on end just as effectively as Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. Much like in the Schindler’s List director’s masterpiece, the creation of a sense of threat takes precedence over showing the monster itself. The oversized pig appears only in a few brief scenes, and the most terrifying moments are when the beast lurks somewhere in the shadows of the Australian landscape.

Mulcahy plays masterfully with the viewer’s expectations. Rather than highlight the absurdity of the premise, he treats his peculiar idea with deadly seriousness. So don’t expect comedic exaggeration in the style of early Sam Raimi or Peter Jackson. Razorback is a film of grime, blood, and terror.

Another key element is the strong performance by practically the entire cast. The determination of the main character, who’s searching for the beast that tore apart his wife, is admirable and immediately draws the viewer in. Carl Winters, played by Gregory Harrison, is a protagonist you root for during the entire ninety-five-minute runtime. On top of that, the director introduces us to a range of colorful small-town residents, sometimes even more unpredictable than the monster they’re hunting.

But what truly sets this story apart from other man-vs-beast tales can be summed up in one word: cinematography. What cinematographer Dean Semler (known for Mad Max 2) accomplished here is nothing short of a masterpiece. He managed to portray the stunning Australian landscapes in a way that is both breathtaking and terrifying in their untamed wildness. His touch is also felt in the monster attack scenes, which are shot in a surreal manner, giving the impression of events taking place in some alternate reality. The lighting and shadow work is so flawlessly executed that many critics were left speechless, comparing Semler’s dreamlike visions to the artistic creations of Salvador Dalí. I’d go even further and say that nearly every shot in Razorback could be framed and hung on a wall as a work of contemporary art.

Razorback is a hidden gem worth seeking out to see just how much can be done with a seemingly comical idea. Russell Mulcahy’s film is horror for those who appreciate an original approach to the genre. I recommend this movie because getting thrilled by the fight against a deadly boar, attacking in the sun-drenched, picturesque outskirts of Australia, is the perfect antidote.

Would you like a list of similar underrated horror films?