‘Some species should remain extinct’
Carnifex is a 2022 Australian horror film about an aspiring documentarian and two conservationists who venture into the outback to record the animals displaced by bushfires where they discover a terrifying new species.
Directed by Sean Lahiff (shorts: Smashed; Too Dark; Meat Wallet: Filth Kill) from a screenplay written by Shanti Gudgeon. Produced by Gena Helen Ashwell and Helen Leake (Wolf Creek 2).
The Dancing Road Productions movie stars Darren Gilshenan, Harry Greenwood, Alexandra Park, Brendan Rock and Sisi Stringer (Vampire Academy).
Plot synopsis:
Bailey (Alexandra Park) an aspiring documentary maker joins conservationists Grace (Sisi Stringer) and Ben (Harry Greenwood) as they travel deep into the Australian outback to track and record the animals left displaced and devasted by the fires. As night falls, the unsuspecting trio discover a terrifying species – the carnifex, and soon find themselves becoming the ones being tracked…
Reviews:
“The design isn’t particularly frightening or intimidating and looks more like a scary stuffed toy than a voracious predator. Wisely Lahiff keeps it off-screen much of the time, relying on sound or a disturbance in the branches to signify its presence. It’s effective when making sudden, quick pounce from hiding, but is much less effective when we can get a good look at it.” 3.5 out of 5, Voices from the Balcony
Release:
Carnifex premiered at the Sitges Film Festival in Spain on October 6, 2022. It was released in Australia on December 1, 2022.
YouTube reviews:
Trailer:
Cast and characters:
Darren Gilshenan … Ranger Matt
Harry Greenwood … Ben
Alexandra Park … Bailey
Brendan Rock … Gary
Sisi Stringer … Grace
Technical specs:
1 hour 33 minutes
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
