Endangered Species

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 28, 2021

Genre
Action, Adventure, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Rebecca Romijn as Lauren Halsey
• Philip Winchester as Jack Halsey
• Isabel Bassett as Zoe Halsey
• Michael Johnston as Noah Halsey
• Jerry O’Connell as Mitch Hanover
• Chris Fisher as Charlie

Director
M.J. Bassett

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Solomon Kane (2009)
• Rogue (2020)
• Silent Hill: Revelation (2012)

Producer
M.J. Bassett, Philip Winchester, Paul Cronin

Writer
M.J. Bassett, Isabel Bassett

Budget
$5 million (estimated)

Production Company
Grindstone Entertainment Group, Kalahari Pictures, Red Aviation

Running Time
101 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense violence
• Animal attacks
• Strong language
• Themes of survival

Movie Story
“Endangered Species” is an action-packed thriller that follows the Halsey family on what is supposed to be a dream safari adventure in the Kenyan wilderness. The family, led by Jack Halsey (Philip Winchester) and his wife Lauren (Rebecca Romijn), are seeking to reconnect and find excitement on their African vacation. Along with their teenage children, Zoe (Isabel Bassett) and Noah (Michael Johnston), and Zoe’s boyfriend, Mitch (Jerry O’Connell), they venture into the wild, eager to experience Africa’s iconic wildlife.

Their adventure takes a dangerous turn when Jack, ignoring the advice of their guide, decides to take an off-road detour. The family soon finds themselves stranded in a remote part of the savannah after their van is overturned by a charging rhino. With no way to call for help and surrounded by the threats of the wild, they must rely on their wits and courage to survive.

As the group struggles to make it back to civilization, they face a series of life-threatening challenges, including attacks from lions, hyenas, and other predators. Tensions rise within the group as they are pushed to their limits, forcing them to confront not only the dangers of the wild but also the fractures in their own relationships.

The film is a tense survival story that emphasizes the unpredictability and brutality of nature, while also exploring the dynamics of a family under extreme stress. “Endangered Species” combines thrilling action sequences with moments of emotional intensity, as the characters are forced to reckon with their past decisions and the reality of their situation.

Special Effects
“Endangered Species” makes use of a mix of practical effects and CGI to depict the wildlife and action sequences. The animal attacks are intense and often brutal, with the special effects adding to the realism of the life-and-death situations faced by the characters. The cinematography captures the stunning landscapes of Kenya, providing a striking backdrop for the film’s high-stakes drama.

Box Office Performance
“Endangered Species” was released primarily on digital platforms and had a limited theatrical release. The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its action and survival elements, while others criticized its predictable plot and character development. Despite its limited release, the film garnered attention for its intense action sequences and the performance of its cast.

Filming Locations

• Kenya, Africa

Notable Quotes

• “This isn’t a game; out here, we’re the prey.” – Jack Halsey
• “We came here for an adventure. Now we just need to survive it.” – Lauren Halsey

Behind-the-Scenes
Director M.J. Bassett, who has experience in directing action and survival films, aimed to create a realistic portrayal of the dangers faced by tourists in the African wilderness. The film was shot on location in Kenya, with the production team working closely with local experts to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the wildlife encounters.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
“Endangered Species” delivers a solid survival thriller set against the breathtaking backdrop of the African wilderness. While it may not break new ground in the genre, the film offers enough tension and action to keep viewers engaged. The performances by Rebecca Romijn and Philip Winchester stand out, bringing depth to a story of a family pushed to the edge by both external and internal threats. Fans of survival dramas and adventure films will find “Endangered Species” an entertaining, if somewhat predictable, ride.

IMDb Rating
4.6/10