Antlers

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 29, 2021

Genre
Horror, Mystery

Cast & Crew

• Keri Russell as Julia Meadows
• Jesse Plemons as Paul Meadows
• Jeremy T. Thomas as Lucas Weaver
• Graham Greene as Warren Stokes
• Scott Haze as Frank Weaver
• Rory Cochrane as Sheriff Dan LaSalle

Director
Scott Cooper

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Crazy Heart (2009)
• Out of the Furnace (2013)
• Black Mass (2015)
• Hostiles (2017)

Producer

• Guillermo del Toro
• David S. Goyer
• J. Miles Dale

Writer

• Henry Chaisson
• Nick Antosca
• Scott Cooper

Budget
$25 million

Production Company

• Searchlight Pictures
• Phantom Four
• Double Dare You Productions

Running Time
99 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence
• Disturbing imagery
• Child endangerment
• Strong language

Movie Story
“Antlers” is a chilling horror film set in a small, desolate town in Oregon, where school teacher Julia Meadows (Keri Russell) becomes increasingly concerned about one of her students, Lucas Weaver (Jeremy T. Thomas). Lucas is a quiet, withdrawn boy who shows signs of neglect and trauma, but it soon becomes clear that his troubles are far more terrifying than Julia could have imagined.

Living with his father, Frank (Scott Haze), and younger brother in a dilapidated house, Lucas is hiding a dark and horrifying secret. His father, who has become consumed by a malevolent force, transforms into a terrifying creature driven by a primal hunger. This entity, rooted in Native American folklore, represents a spirit of insatiable greed and hunger, a Wendigo, which Frank unwittingly unleashed. Lucas, left to care for his monstrous father, tries to keep the creature’s existence hidden while feeding it small animals to keep it at bay.

As Julia delves deeper into Lucas’s life, she uncovers the terrifying truth and realizes that the danger posed by the creature extends far beyond Lucas’s household. With the help of her brother, Paul (Jesse Plemons), the town sheriff, Julia confronts the ancient evil that has taken root in their community. But as the creature’s power grows, so does the threat it poses, leading to a harrowing climax where Julia must face the Wendigo to save Lucas and prevent further carnage.

“Antlers” is a dark and atmospheric exploration of grief, trauma, and the destructive nature of unchecked greed, all woven into a horror narrative that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. The film’s haunting imagery and relentless tension build to a nightmarish conclusion that leaves a lasting impact.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Antlers” are both practical and CGI, contributing to the film’s eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The creature design, rooted in Native American folklore, is particularly effective, with the Wendigo’s transformation depicted in gruesome and realistic detail. The film’s use of shadow and lighting enhances the horror, making the creature’s appearances genuinely terrifying.

Box Office Performance
“Antlers” faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected its release and box office performance. Despite this, the film garnered a modest box office return, grossing approximately $35 million worldwide. It received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for its atmosphere and performances but criticism for its pacing and narrative structure.

Filming Locations

• Hope, British Columbia, Canada
• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “What’s out there? What’s he keeping inside?” – Julia Meadows
• “Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.” – Warren Stokes

Behind-the-Scenes
“Antlers” was produced by Guillermo del Toro, known for his love of horror and the supernatural. The film’s creature design and folklore elements were heavily influenced by del Toro’s vision, ensuring that the Wendigo remained true to its mythological roots while also being terrifyingly cinematic. Director Scott Cooper worked closely with del Toro to maintain a balance between the film’s horror elements and its deeper themes of trauma and loss.

Awards

• Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Nomination: Best Creature FX
• Saturn Awards Nomination: Best Horror Film

Final Verdict
“Antlers” is a visually striking and deeply unsettling horror film that taps into ancient folklore to explore modern fears and traumas. Its atmospheric tension, strong performances, and disturbing creature effects make it a must-watch for horror fans, though its slow pacing may not appeal to all audiences. Overall, “Antlers” is a haunting tale that lingers long after the credits roll.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10