Far from home. Far from safety. Far from over.|May. 27, 2021|Kenya | United States|101 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Thriller
Description: Endangered Species 2021 is a thrilling adventure film starring Rebecca Romijn (X-Men) and Jerry O’Connell (Showtime’s “Billions”). The story is set under the harsh African sun, where Jack Halsey embarks on a dream vacation to Kenya with his wife, their adult children, and a friend. However, their trip takes a dangerous turn when they venture alone into a wilderness park. An enraged rhino flips their safari van, leaving them injured and stranded. As two members of the group attempt to seek help, they face a brutal encounter with a leopard and a pack of hyenas, sparking a desperate struggle for survival.
The film highlights the passion of co-writer and director M.J. Bassett and her daughter Isabel Bassett, who also stars in the movie. Both are deeply committed to animal conservation, as reflected in the end credits, which acknowledge efforts to protect endangered species. Despite their noble intentions, the movie falls short in execution. A limited budget results in poorly rendered CGI of hyenas, rhinos, and other African wildlife, detracting from the visuals and making them appear comical. The script often relies on predictable family drama, portraying characters as flawed individuals who must navigate their redemption arcs. Overall, while the film raises awareness about endangered animals, it struggles to deliver a compelling cinematic experience.
Cast director: M.J. Bassett
Cast actor: Rebecca Romijn, Philip Winchester, Isabel Bassett, Michael Johnston, Chris Fisher, Jerry O’Connell, Brenda Ngeso, George Glenn Ouma, Aseem Sharma, Pritul Raithatha
Original name: Endangered Species