Directed by Michael Polish (Big Sur, Force of Nature) and penned by Josiah Nelson (Dirty Little Deeds), “Terror on the Prairie” kicks off with a brutal scene: a gang of outlaws, led by the menacing Captain Miller (Nick Searcy), terrorizes the frontier. The story then shifts to Jeb (Donald Cerrone) and Hattie McAllister (Gina Carano), a struggling couple battling poverty in the wild west with their children.
The film, reminiscent of The Daily Wire’s earlier work “Shut In,” centers on Hattie’s valiant efforts to protect her family during a violent home invasion. As the siege begins, the characters are introduced, showcasing Hattie’s resilience, kindness, and determination. However, despite the promising setup, the movie fails to deliver on its potential.
While the action sequences are adequate, they lack the finesse and intensity needed to elevate the film. Most of the second act consists of dialogue interrupted by sporadic attacks on Hattie’s cabin. Although Hattie manages to repel the attackers, the film suffers from prolonged periods of downtime, hindering the maintenance of suspense.
Cerrone, despite his prominent billing, has limited screen time, appearing briefly at the beginning and re-emerging only towards the end. Carano, on the other hand, is present throughout the film but predominantly resorts to using weapons rather than her physical prowess. This departure from her martial arts background is noticeable and detracts from her character’s authenticity.
Carano’s combat skills, however, set her apart from other actresses, adding some credibility to her role. Unfortunately, her acting performance remains subpar, reminiscent of her previous work in “Scorched Earth.” The supporting cast, apart from Searcy and Matthias Hues, who has a brief appearance, consists of relative unknowns, leaving the film lacking in strong performances.
“Terror on the Prairie” is marketed as a western thriller, but it struggles to maintain the tension throughout its runtime. Despite initial promises of brutality, the violence depicted is rather tame, akin to PG-13 material. Even the much-anticipated scalping scenes lack the impact and intensity expected from such a film.
In conclusion, “Terror on the Prairie” is a watchable but forgettable movie. While it has its moments, they are overshadowed by the overall lack of excitement and intensity. The film may appeal to fans of the genre looking for a mild western thriller experience. As of now, the movie is exclusively available to subscribers on The Daily Wire website, with no information on a wider release. For those interested, it’s advisable to keep an eye on platforms like JustWatch and FilmTagger for potential future availability.