Barney Burman’s Wild Boar

I don’t know what it is about pig people-centric movies this year, but this is not the only one; it is, however, the best. The pig people are highly detailed, move well, and have very expressive faces. While they don’t speak English (thank goodness), their intentions are always clear due to their excellent design and the actors’ body language. They are creepy creations from just looking at them, but it is their actions that cement them as truly terrifying.

Back to the editing real quick, there is a scene where Scarlet is startled by one of the monsters, and her reaction— yelling— is repeatedly shown. Not from different angles, mind you, just the same medium shot over and over. It is a confusing choice that undercuts the tension so carefully maintained until that point. However, the impressive sound design and score, courtesy of Bobby Brader, do help to overcome the few instances of odd editing.

“The pig people are highly detailed, move well, and have very expressive faces.”

The film runs roughly 100-minutes, and while the first fifteen or so could be trimmed a bit, once the group of friends undertakes the excursion, it never lets up. Scarlet’s escape attempt, against the pleas of a prisoner, who refers to himself as a pet, leaves audiences on the edge of their seat. A standoff in a gorge, which has a shocking resolution, will make one’s heart skip a few beats. It is a thrilling and exciting ride.

With Barney Burman’s Wild Boar, minor flaws and all, Burman has helmed an effectively creepy and exciting motion picture. The cast is one of the best ensembles of the year, possibly the very best, with each actor nailing their role brilliantly. The direction, aside from two or three scenes, maintains an oppressive atmosphere that hammers home the horror. But beyond all that, the reason to see this movie is the astounding make-up effects bringing the pig people to life. While not quite a masterpiece, Burman’s next film could very well be one.