Cast
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Nick Chinlund
as Jake Suttner
Erin Karpluk
as Clair
Barry Corbin
as Haas
Don S. Davis
as Colonel Travis Sherman
Elaine Miles
as Deputy Barnes
Tinsel Korey
as Hampton
Simon Longmore
as Farley
John Shaw
as Chief Dawson
Karen Elizabeth Austin
as Edna
David James Lewis
as Dr. David Yates
Dave 'Squatch' Ward
as Fisherman
Crew
Director
- Steven R. Monroe
Writer
- Jason Bourque
Producer
- Kirk Shaw
Reviews
Wuchak
Well done monster flick in a small town of the Great Northwest
An Alaskan hamlet is attacked by some sort of dragon-like creature, recently awoken from its long frozen hibernation.
Released to TV, "Wyvern" (2009) was directed by the great 'B' monster flick director Stephen R. Monroe, who also did "Sasquatch Mountain," "Ogre", "It Waits" and the remake of "I Spit on Your Grave" (2010).
I liked how the story is taken seriously without being dead-serious. The characters seem real and three-dimensional. One of the main roles is Claire, played by Erin Karpluk, one of the most winsome girl-next-door types to walk the face of the earth.
Meanwhile the dragon isn't just causing havoc without rhyme or reason; it has a plan. The CGI is effective enough considering the budget and time period.
The ending is an obvious homage to Spielberg's excellent 1971 TV flick "Duel."
So if you enjoy contemporaneous monster-in-the-woods flicks like "Goblin," "It Waits" and "Ogre" you'll likely appreciate "Wyvern," which is on par with "Goblin" but a bit better than the other two.
The movie runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was filmed in Vancouver, BC.
GRADE: B
Jan 19, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Fantasy/Science Fiction/TV Movie/Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Wyvern distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Steven R. Monroe brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Wyvern took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 908 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Wyvern shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dragon Nest: Warriors' Dawn, which focuses more on action than character development, Wyvern subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Beowulf and George and the Dragon explore similar territory, Wyvern stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 31, 2009
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
