Ravage is a 2019 American survivalist thriller film about a young woman that witnesses an act of torture and is relentlessly pursued as a result. It was previously known as Swing Low
Written and directed by Teddy Grennan, the movie stars Bruce Dern (Freaks; Twixt; Swamp Devil; The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant), Annabelle Dexter-Jones, Eric Nelsen, Robert Longstreet (Halloween Kills; Doctor Sleep) and Joshua Brady. Bennett Krishock and Marsha Oglesby produced.
Harper Sykes (Annabelle Dexter-Jones), a young nature photographer, is on assignment in the woods of the Watchatoomy valley when she captures a disturbing event of a man being brutally whipped and beaten in the woods. After reporting the incident to the local sheriff her story is dismissed as a meth-induced nightmare.
Unfortunately, Harper is quickly captured by the culprits and taken to an abandoned farm in the woods to be tortured. Due to her experience as a survivalist, she is able to escape but is on the run and has to quickly outsmart captures…
Reviews:
“It could have done with an extra 15 minutes or so to unpack the plot points a little more clearly, but for most of its running time Swing Low is a tight, visceral survival movie redolent of Australian thrillers like Wake in Fright (1971) or Wolf Creek (2005).” Bloody Flicks
“Content can be controversial and the film’s knees buckle when it comes down for the landing. But Ravage fires on enough cylinders that your mental engagement only has to fire on one: experiencing visceral thrills, chills, and spills with very few frills.” Culture Crypt
” …the simplicity and newness that this film offers makes it worth your time […] It is a refreshing entry for its genre. I would even put this above something like Eden Lake. The protagonist is admirable and likable despite being flawed, the graphic elements overall make for a pulpy and cool viewing experience, and goddamn, the score is honestly brilliant…” Film Snob Reviews
“It effectively conveys the dread of being trapped in a vast, indifferent, golden-hued land. Cinematographer Jacques Brautbar beautifully frames the scenery as a starkly effective contrast to the unraveling brutality (“Mother nature is the true lord of pain”). Grennan’s enthusiasm is evident in a few standout sequences, such as Harper escaping from being tied upside-down.” Film Threat
“Swing Low provided a good thriller chase and counter chase as Harper was hunted and also hunter. The cast of characters did a wonderful job with what they were given, which made the movie worth seeing.” Guild Master Gaming
“This is all heady material, and while relevant today as it was in the time of it’s inspiration, it could have been better served by a bit more breathing room (the film runs a scant seventy-seven minutes)… but goddamn does this fright flick speed along, narrative be damned!” Horror Fuel
Release:
Ravage opens in virtual movie houses, drive-ins, and is unleashed on VOD on August 21, 2020.
Choice dialogue:
Mallinckrodt (Bruce Dern): “Torture is the barometer of a nation’s creativity.”
Cast and characters:
Bruce Dern … Mallinckrodt
Annabelle Dexter-Jones … Harper Sykes
Eric Nelsen … Nash
Robert Longstreet … Ravener
Joshua Brady … Kinsey
Ross Partridge … Sheriff Pendergrass
Chris Pinkalla … Billy Harrison
Michael Weaver … Superintendent Slayton
Technical details:
75 minutes
