Kaw is a 2006 ecological horror film about a small rural community suddenly besieged by murderous ravens. The film is heavily inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds (1963), and its connection to that film is particularly interesting because Rod Taylor, who plays the town doctor in Kaw, also starred in Hitchcock’s original.
The movie was directed by Sheldon Wilson from a screenplay by Benjamin Sztajnkrycer.
The production stars Sean Patrick Flanery, Stephen McHattie, Kristin Booth and aforementioned veteran actor Rod Taylor.
Plot [contains spoilers]:
Wayne Merkle (Sean Patrick Flanery), the local sheriff, is preparing to leave his job and start a new life in the city with his newlywed wife, Cynthia (Kristin Booth). However, what should be a quiet final day in the rural community quickly descends into chaos when huge numbers of ravens begin attacking people.
The birds are unusually aggressive and appear to act collectively, targeting residents with a ferocity far beyond ordinary animal behaviour. As attacks spread, the townspeople struggle to understand what has provoked the sudden outbreak of violence.
Meanwhile, Clyde (Stephen McHattie), a former military man who has already witnessed the birds’ disturbing behaviour, tries to warn the community. His reputation makes it difficult to persuade people to take the danger seriously.
The situation becomes increasingly desperate as residents seek refuge from the swarms. Wayne joins forces with Clyde and the town doctor, played by Rod Taylor, to protect the survivors. At the same time, Cynthia’s visit to a nearby farming community brings her closer to discovering the disturbing circumstances behind the ravens’ behaviour.
The attacks are linked to a farmer’s decision to conceal an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease, among his cattle. After the ravens feed on the infected animals, their behaviour becomes abnormal and increasingly violent.
The farmer’s attempts to deal with the situation himself only make matters worse, and the birds turn their aggression towards the human population. The town must now contend with a threat that has grown far beyond anyone’s control.
Cast and characters:
Sean Patrick Flanery as Wayne
Stephen McHattie as Clyde
Kristin Booth as Cynthia
Rod Taylor as Doc
John Ralston as Oskar
Michèle Duquet as Betty
Ashley Newbrough as Doris
Gray Powell as Stanley “Stan”
Vladmir Bondarenko as Jacob
Megan Park as Gretchen
Emma Knight as Connie
Amanda Brugel as Emma
Wendy Lyon as Luanne
Sophie Gendron as Tricia
Jefferson Brown as John
Renessa Blitz as Rachel
David Gardner as Rolf
Alexander Conti as Tyler Whitmore
Jen Lawson as Tyler’s Mother
Tech specs:
1h 25m (85 min)
DTS | Dolby Digital
Aspect ratio: 1.78: 1
Trailer [1080p]:
Free online on YouTube [1080p and 1080p Premium HD]:
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