Conor Bryce braves the wilderness for his review of a creature feature with a difference.
Ah, the killer bear movie. Along with the good ol’ reliable shark, there’s something about the forest-dwelling colossuses that keeps the “nature run amok” horror subgenre plentifully stocked. Over the years, we’ve had the good (Grizzly Man, The Edge, Backcountry), the bad (Grizzly I and II, Claws) and the frankly ridiculous. Cocaine Bear needs no introduction and Prophecy gave us Talia Shire vs giant skinless mutant bear.
Coming to Digital on Demand and DVD this February, Burke Doeren’s Grizzly Night falls somewhere in the middle. It doesn't reach the heights of the latter but offers enough bear-based frights - coupled with a surprisingly sombre tone - to be worth the watch. Initially, Grizzly Night doesn't stray far from the tried-and-tested formula. Based on a true account, we follow two separate groups of likeable protagonists as they enter the forests of Montana’s Glacier National Park, before they are stalked and attacked. But from here, Grizzly Night takes an interesting route.
Playing out like a true account disaster movie akin to the likes of Everest or Alive, it treats the real-world events with reverence and seriousness. The attacks are realistic. They are short and shocking, and the plot quickly moves on to the fallout and impact of each, rather than revelling in viscera or leaning on unrealistic melodrama.
Similarly, the typical, traditional showdown of hero vs beastly antagonist is eschewed in favour of a strangely downbeat climax, no crescendo of violence or smile you son of a bitch punch the air moment. No, instead there's a sombre, reflective ending that showers empathy on both victims and killers, after all, they too will ultimately become prey to hunters. This is a welcome surprise, and something rarely seen in similar subgenre fare.
The cast is solid; Brec Bassinger shines in a hugely likeable turn as a park lodge employee and first victim of the attacks. Last seen in 2025 with a solid turn in surprise horror hit Final Destination Bloodlines, she’s fast becoming a rising genre star. Lauren Call impresses as a rookie ranger trying to combat both bear attack outbreaks and her leadership being questioned in a predominantly male-dominated environment, while Outer Banks and Nashville veteran Charles Esten lends reliable, grounded support as the head ranger trying to make sense of the attacks, realistically under-resourced and ill-prepared to handle the severity of the night’s events. The groups attacked by the bears forgo the stereotypical too; no hysterics or bravado, they react more like anyone would in the same situation, frantic and terrified.
With a gripping premise, atmospheric cinematography, the aforementioned strong cast and surprisingly respectful tone, Grizzly Night boasts the right recipe for a solid night of horror. Dodging exploitation and embracing moody retrospection, for what is ultimately a creature feature, makes for an impactful watch. This is bleak but not relentlessly so, with that ending that will certainly linger. Smarter than your average bear movie.
Grizzly Night will be available on Digital and DVD from 2nd February 2026.
