Beware Boiúna Reboots the Killer-Snake Genre Without the Camp
Lionsgate’s creature feature Beware Boiúna arrives as a serious-minded addition to the nature-amok subgenre, trading the over-the-top camp of Anaconda for gritty tension, rue-morgue.com reported. Directed by Mike P. Nelson and written by Alan McElroy, the 104-minute film blends a humanitarian river mission in Colombia with the terrifying presence of a local legendary serpent.
Cast and Characters Aboard the R.R. Hermes
Hermes. The team includes a trio of doctors: leader Miguel, played by Juan Pablo Shuk; zealous Alli, played by Jessica Rothe of the Happy Death Day films; and nervous doctor Callum, played by Will Close. Kiana Madeira, known from the Fear Street trilogy, stars as mechanic Lena, who searches for her vanished brother and looks up to captain Raúl, played by Jaime Newball.
Conflict Sparked by Human Action
The medical mission to aid indigenous communities stalls when sleazy colonizers arrive, led by Brennan, played by Logan Marshall-Green, who is known for The Invitation and Upgrade. While Brennan serves as the human antagonist, McElroy’s script centers the major conflict around Alli’s impetuous actions. Her ill-advised choices push the crew directly into the territory of Boiúna, a colossal serpent described by Lena as the “Mother of the Waters.”
Practical Effects and Gritty Cinematography Anchor the Film
Director Mike P. Nelson builds suspense by teasing the monster’s gigantic, scaly form through dock boards before it attacks. The production relies on practical effects for jungle gross-outs, including a caiman autopsy and larvae extraction. Nick Junkersfeld provides harsh, gritty cinematography that anchors the film’s serious tone, while Nicholas Seal oversees digital effects for the titular creature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beware Boiúna
What is the runtime of Beware Boiúna?
The film runs for 104 minutes, spending about half of that runtime focusing on the human drama before the titanic serpent makes its full presence known.
Who directed and wrote the film?
Mike P. Nelson directed Beware Boiúna, and Alan McElroy wrote the screenplay. Nelson previously helmed the remakes of Wrong Turn and Silent Night, Deadly Night.
Which actors comprise the main medical crew?
The medical mission crew features Juan Pablo Shuk as Miguel, Jessica Rothe as Alli, Will Close as Callum, Kiana Madeira as Lena, and Jaime Newball as captain Raúl.
About the Reviewer
Michael Gingold, RUE MORGUE’s Head Writer, has covered horror cinema for over three decades, working as a longtime writer and editor for FANGORIA magazine and its website in addition to RUE MORGUE. He has also written for IndieWire.com, TIME OUT, SCREAM, BIRTH.MOVIES.DEATH, DELIRIUM, and MOVIEMAKER, and authored THE FRIGHTFEST GUIDE TO MONSTER MOVIES for FAB Press and the AD NAUSEAM books from 1984 Publishing, alongside contributing documentaries, featurettes, and liner notes to Blu-rays like the award-winning feature-length documentary Twisted Tale: The Unmaking of “Spookies” from Vinegar Syndrome.
Worth a look