The Untamed Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

The Untamed Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 16, 2017

After exploring a real-world nightmare in “Heli,” co-writer/director Amat Escalante returns with something sinister from outer space for “The Untamed,” though the effort is far from a traditional alien terror extravaganza. The helmer goes for unease with this study of relationships and profound sexual experiences, with Escalante working a more metaphorical route to disturbing behavior, locating unusual suspense as he achieves a clear view of domestic dysfunction.

“The Untamed” is almost indescribable, delving into the lives of a husband and wife, her brother and a friend, as they manage sex, lies, and closeted behavior, dealing with interpersonal issues while a tentacle-wiggling creature with command over human sexuality is cared for in a remote cabin, enjoying those daring to submit to its bodily magic. Escalante understands the potency of such imagery, saving the really bizarre stuff for the final act, but he manages to build a compelling sense of betrayal and threat along the way, generating relationship anguish that’s realistic, while ultimately heading in a fantastical direction.

The Untamed Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation does just fine with detail, capturing the strange textures of the alien and clarity with human emotions, as the feature does settle on long takes to observe subtle reactions to troubling situations. Colors remain settled, with an agreeable push of primaries, while forest greenery comes through as intended. Skintones are natural. Delineation is adequate. Source is clean. Some noisy patches are detected during the viewing experience.

The Untamed Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers an immersive listening event. "The Untamed" generally leads with strange sounds and scoring to unsettle viewers, and music comes through as intended, with crisp instrumentation. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, handling hushed emotionality and argumentative behavior. And the sounds of sexual experience register accordingly. Surrounds are active, good with atmospherics and immersive environments, including a club visit that's boosted by thumpy EDM, giving the scene some pleasing heaviness.

The Untamed Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Behind the Scenes (84:04, HD) is an extended look at the creation of "The Untamed," tracing the picture's development from concept to execution, with most attention paid to the actual shoot, which required quite a bit of physical stamina from a few of the cast members. The technical details are fascination, showcasing how the alien seduction scenes were pulled off, and additional production achievements are highlighted, including scoring efforts and creature design work. Interviews with cast and crew highlight interpretations of the story and personal ties to co-writer/director Amat Escalante.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:54, HD) is included.

The Untamed Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Untamed" isn't a feral creation, remaining close to emotional exchanges and fear before unleashing more extreme content, including my first encounter with an animal orgy on film. It's a weird movie but it's not wild, remaining true to Escalante's filmmaking patience and belief in slow-burn revelations.