This film is allegedly based on the real-life journals of Dale S. Rogers, a man who, in the 1970s, lived along the banks of the Navidad River in Sublime, Texas - the same area where the original legend of the Wild Man of the Navidad surfaced in the late 1800s.[5][6] The film follows Dale, his wheelchair-using wife Jean, and her oft-shirtless, lazy-eyed caretaker Mario. Though their ranch sits on vast acres prime for paying hunters, Dale has resisted opening up the land because of the strange, Bigfoot-like creatures supposedly inhabiting it, but after the prodding of some of the rifle-loving townsfolk and the loss of his welding job, Dale gives in and opens the gate to his compound. Then, the hunters become the hunted.[7]
William McBride (as William 'Mac' McBride) as Boss Man Jack
Charlie Hurtin as Karl Crabtree
Patrick Hewlett as Vern Findlay
James Bargsley as Melvin Pennell
Production
The film is a throwback to drive-in Sasquatch films of the 1970s like The Legend of Boggy Creek, and is known for its recreation of their specific vintage style, pacing and feel—from the real-life characters down to the period production design and music.[8] The film was co-produced by Kim Henkel, co-writer of the original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with Tobe Hooper in 1974 and was written, directed and edited by two of Henkel's screenwriting/production students, Justin Meeks and Duane Graves.[9]
Reception
Ain't It Cool News described it as "about as perfect a Bigfoot film I've seen so far."[10] Scott Foy of Dread Central describes the film as "a creepy, southern-fried creature feature."[11]IFC Films' Alison Willmore states that it is "a welcome palate cleanser" for the horror genre.[12] Scott Weinberg of Cinematical calls it "enthusiastically splattery...a rather spirited little terror tale...that actually feels like it has been hidden in a vault."[13]Daily Variety critic John Anderson writes "cult status is already achieved...Wild Man mixes homage with horror for a pretty potent dose of movie moonshine."[14] Merle Bertrand of Film Threat relates it as "wonderfully retro...it's time to go back to the drive-in."[15]
