“Grizzlies never kill.”
Based upon events that occurred on August 12, 1967, 2026’s Grizzly Night tells the story of two separate fatal grizzly bear attacks that happened on the same night and just a few miles apart in Glacier National Park. The film stars Lauren Call, Brec Bassinger, Jack Griffo, Oded Fehr, Charles Esten, Ali Skovbye, Matt Lintz, and Michael Vlamis. It was written by Katrina Mathewson and Tanner Bean from a story by them and Bo Bean that was based upon the book Night Of The Grizzlies by Jack Olsen. The film was directed by Burke Doeren, in his directorial debut.
On August 12th, rookie Ranger Joan Devereaux (Call) is assigned to lead a hiking group to Granite Park Chalet and her friend, Ranger Leonard Landa is assigned to man the McDonald Ranger Station while the bulk of the other rangers investigate lightning strikes in the park. Julie Helgeson (Bassinger) and her boyfriend, Roy (Lintz) camp near the Chalet and just a few miles away, Julie’s friend, Michele Koons (Skovbye), camps with a group of friends near a lake. As the night passes, both camps are attacked by grizzlies. Roy is attacked and Julie is dragged off into the forest. Roy manages to get the attention of fellow campers and Devereaux is called into action, making extremely difficult decisions and attempting to keep the group at the Chalet under control. Michele’s camp is also attacked, and she is dragged off into the forest as well. Without giving anything away, things do not go well for either girl.
The film is very well done. It features some excellent cinematography and some solid terrifying moments. The fact that much of what happened in the film is real makes the story ever scarier. All of the cast give decent performances, with Lauren Call carrying the film. The bear action is believable and shot very well. With this being said and considering the film’s subject, it sort of feels like a very aggressive Hallmark Movie. I don’t mean this to be derogatory about the film, as I do like it. It just seems like the whole film is a tad too polished for its subject matter. I do recommend it the film, as it’s a great way to kill a little time on a rainy afternoon. I just don’t know if it will appeal to everyone.
The attacks forced the National Park System to reevaluate many of their policies. From banning feeding animals to stiffer penalties for park visitors that violate policies, the changes were made to protect both humans and animals. The events of August 12, 1967 came to an end with the deaths of two young women, Michele Koons and Julie Helgeson, both nineteen years of age, and five bears, one of which was a cub. A second cub was shot but managed to escape. Of the bears, one was found to have evidence inside of it that proved that it consumed Michele Koons.
Thanks for checking out my review. I recommend this film, but it might not be for everyone.
