Ferocious

Ferocious is a 2013 thriller movie directed by Robert Cuffley and written by Jeff Ross. Starring Amanda Crew, Kim Coates, and Dustin Milligan, the movie is a story of a man named Leigh Parrish who is a struggling actress with a faltering career. After facing a personal tragedy, she decides to return to her hometown and confront her past. However, what she finds is a dark and sinister underbelly of her town that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.

The movie is set in a small town in Alberta, Canada, where Leigh Parrish (Amanda Crew) is struggling to get her acting career going. When her mother dies, she decides to return to her hometown to deal with her grief and reconnect with her estranged father, Sheriff Jim (Kim Coates). However, Leigh's homecoming is anything but warm and welcoming. She finds herself constantly haunted by the memories of her past and the people who have wronged her. Soon, she realizes that there are some secrets that should have remained buried, and the more she uncovers, the more dangerous the situation becomes.

One of the things that make Ferocious stand out is Amanda Crew's mesmerizing performance as Leigh. She portrays the character with a depth and intensity that draws the audience in and makes them care about her struggles. Leigh's journey of self-discovery is a compelling one, and Crew's performance is the glue that holds the entire movie together.

Kim Coates, who plays Leigh's father, Sheriff Jim, is also excellent in his role. He brings a level of gravitas and authority to the character that makes him both intimidating and sympathetic. In many ways, Jim represents the town itself, as he is both the enforcer of the law and the protector of its secrets.

Dustin Milligan plays Leigh's ex-boyfriend, Ryan, who is now engaged to her former best friend, Samantha. Milligan's performance is nuanced and subtle, and he manages to convey a sense of regret and longing without overdoing it. Ryan is a complex character, and Milligan plays him with just the right amount of vulnerability and charm to make the audience root for him.

The movie also has a strong supporting cast, including Michael Eklund, Katie Boland, and Sarah Gadon. Each of them plays a crucial role in the story, and they all deliver solid performances.

One of the things that make Ferocious so effective is the way it uses the town itself as a character. The setting is both beautiful and haunting, and the cinematography captures it in all its glory. At times, the movie feels like a love letter to Alberta, with shots of its sprawling landscapes and quaint towns. But at other times, it's a warning about the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of small-town life.

Director Robert Cuffley does an excellent job of building tension throughout the movie. The pacing is slow and deliberate, with each scene adding another layer to the mystery. There are no cheap jump scares or gratuitous violence here. Instead, the movie relies on its characters and story to keep the audience engaged.

The movie's score, composed by Michael Shields, is also worth mentioning. It's a haunting and evocative mix of strings and piano that perfectly captures the movie's mood. The music is both beautiful and eerie, and it adds an extra layer of tension to the proceedings.

In conclusion, Ferocious is a well-crafted thriller that deserves more recognition than it received upon its release. With its strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and haunting score, it's a movie that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're a fan of the thriller genre or just looking for a well-made movie, Ferocious is definitely worth your time.