Savageland is an American horror mockumentary film released in 2015, directed by Phil Guidry, Simon Herbert, and David Whelan. It employs a documentary-style narrative to explore xenophobia, media prejudice, and social bias, making it uniquely captivating within the horror genre.
Plot Summary
Savageland recounts an unsolved mystery set within the fictional border town of Sangre de Cristo, Arizona, where all 57 residents of the town are murdered. Francisco Salazar, an undocumented immigrant and hobbyist photographer, becomes the only surviving witness to the massacre and tried fleeing towards Mexico. Salazar is arrested with little evidence. However, Salazar is tried and imprisoned for the crime due to lacking evidence. The narrative is told through a combination of interviews, news coverage, and Salazar’s chilling photographs from the incident, which undermine the existence of a more dark and supernatural force.
Themes and Social Commentary
Savageland goes beyond being a horror film dealing with pressing societal matters.
Xenophobia and Discrimination: The movie lambasts how societies tend to demonize the most disenfranchised and powerless groups. Salazar’s immigration status leads to a rushed conclusion that he’s a violent criminal.
Media’s Role and Influence: The film highlights what fear and injustice can result from misleading the public through media featuring fiction.
Savageland is praised for its unique perspective woven within commentary on contemporary social issues.
Mike Wilson from Bloody Disgusting praised the film for its proper mix of horror and social commentary. Likewise, audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes portray the film positively, with some users crowning it as “one of the most effective zombie movies” and praising its documentary-like presentation.
Conclusion
Savageland is particularly noteworthy in the context of horror films due to its unsettling yet fascinating storyline. It combines supernatural horror with real world issues to create an eerie commentary on the harsh realities of societal discrimination and the outcomes of judgment fueled by fear. Savageland is recommended to any viewer seeking a horror film that goes beyond the norms and incorporates social issues relevant for contemplation.