Splinter (2008)

About Splinter

Splinter is a gripping horror-thriller movie directed by Toby Wilkins. Produced by Ned Dowd, the movie was released in 2008. The narrative follows a couple on a romantic camping trip who find themselves trapped in their car by a monstrous creature. With the suspense and terror building steadily, the pair soon find themselves in a gruesome fight for survival.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Toby Wilkins and produced by Kai Barry, Tom Rice, Ted Kroeber, and Jamie Carmichael. The writing credits go to Ian Shorr and the cinematography was handled by Nelson Cragg. The movie stands as a testament to the impressive work done by the production design team and the special effects team who managed to create a believable and terrifying monster using limited resources.

Actors

• Shea Whigham as Dennis Farell: Whigham plays the role of an outlaw on the run, bringing a grungy and rugged charm to his character.
• Jill Wagner as Polly Watt: Wagner performs as the one-half of the couple caught up in the terror, showing strength and vulnerability simultaneously.
• Paulo Costanzo as Seth Belzer: Costanzo plays the character of a boyfriend who rises to the occasion, proving to be a surprise hero

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The splinter creature in the movie was not entirely computer generated. The film used both digital effects and practical creature effects (animatronics and puppetry).
• The movie was shot in just 18 days.
• Director Toby Wilkins also helmed another noted horror franchise, 'The Grudge'.

Awards

The movie bagged several awards. Toby Wilkins won the 'Best Director' Award at the 2008 Screamfest Horror Film Festival. The movie also won awards for Best Editing, Special Effects, and Makeup at the same event.

Quotes

• "If it has eyes, I’ll blind it. If it has joints, I’ll cripple it." - Dennis (Shea Whigham)
• "That's not an infection, it's a parasite!" - Seth (Paulo Costanzo)
• "That's police property now. Just like you." - Lacey (Rachel Kerbs)

Music, Soundtrack

• The eerie background score, unsettling music cues, and sound effects were created by Elia Cmiral
• Throughout the movie, the soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the tension, terror, and drama of the narrative.