Dying Breed (2008)

Dying Breed interweaves the two most fascinating icons of Tasmanian history: the extinct Tasmanian tiger and "The Pieman" (aka Alexander Pearce) who was hanged for cannibalism in 1824. ... See full summary »

Director:

Jody Dwyer

Writers:

Michael Boughen (screenplay), Jody Dwyer (screenplay)

Stars:

Nathan Phillips, Leigh Whannell, Bille Brown

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nathan Phillips	...	Jack
Leigh Whannell	...	Matt
Bille Brown	...	Harvey / Rowan
Mirrah Foulkes	...	Nina
Melanie Vallejo	...	Rebecca
Ken Radley	...	Liam
Elaine Hudson	...	Ethel
Sheridan Harvey	...	Katie
Peter Docker	...	Alexander Pierce
Boris Brkic	...	Sgt. Symons
Phillip McInnes	...	Guard #1
Ian 'Paddy' McIvor	...	Guard #2 (as Paddy McIvor)
James Portanier	...	Guard #3
Sally McDonald	...	Ruth
Peter Finlay	...	Hunter #1

Storyline

Dying Breed interweaves the two most fascinating icons of Tasmanian history: the extinct Tasmanian tiger and "The Pieman" (aka Alexander Pearce) who was hanged for cannibalism in 1824. Against all odds, Pearce escaped from the most feared penal settlement of the British Empire - Sarah Island - and disappeared into the impenetrable forests of Western Tasmania. Seven convicts escaped with him, yet Pearce was the only one that emerged... along with chunks of human flesh in his pockets. The legend of Pearce was born. An extinct species... a long forgotten legend... both had a desperate need to survive; both could now have living descendants within the Tasmanian bush. Many sightings of the tiger have been reported. Many hikers have gone missing. Hundreds in fact. Zoologist Nina is convinced there are still tigers remaining in the Tasmanian wilderness, and she has proof - a photograph of a paw print snapped by her sister just before she met with a fatal accident in the bush eight years ...

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Plot Keywords:

tiger | tasmania | photograph | forest | cannibalism | 

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Taglines:

Every body has different tastes

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for bloody violent content, language and some sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 November 2008 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Espécie em Extinção

Filming Locations:

Dandenong Ranges National Park, Victoria, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

AUD3,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$370,294

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ambience Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Premiered at the 2008 Tribecca Film Festival.

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Goofs

While leaving the Water Rat Hotel at the start of the movie, a tram can be seen in the background and then disappears as the scene has been cut. Also this is supposed to be in Tasmania, they do not have Trams, this would of been filmed in Melbourne.

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Quotes

Katie: Simple Simon met the pie man playing with a knife Said Simple Simon to the pie man, "Will you take my life?" Said the pie man to Simple Simon, "When the time is right" Said Simple Simon to the pie man, "Then I'll die tonight".

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Connections

References The X-Files (1993)

User Reviews

A sweet Aussie horror

Possibly the worst thing a distributor can do if they're testing to see if an Aussie horror should be released in the US/international cinema circuit is to release it in Australia first. First, the market for horror in OZ is tiny (only a small amount of people will go to see even the best horror at cinemas). Second, Aussies are the harshest critics of their own films - and if there is anything remotely wrong with the film the "tall poppy syndrome" kicks in and we cut it to shreds. We tend to focus on what's wrong with a local film rather than what's right with the film.

OK, so the film is a little derivative borrowing from Deliverance, Wrong turn and Hills have eyes - so what, most horrors derive from something these days. But what's right with the film? Plenty. There is some nasty, nasty, gore and cannibalism that made girls scream, people in the cinema jump three feet in the air and watch through trembling hands. The myth of the Pieman and Tasmanian Tiger is fascinating and intriguing storyline. Once the carnage kicks in this is a tense, brooding film that will have you on the edge of your seat. There are some very,very, good scenes - particularly the rabbit, and the bear trap scene. The setting and look of the film is brilliant - dark gloomy and and ominous.

I loved this film! It's up there with the best Aussie horrors and among some of the better international horrors. It will proudly go on my DVD shelf.