GRIZZLY NIGHT is a survival thriller based on true events that happened in 1967. This is a well-paced and brutal movie with a character-driven story about several tragic events. The cast has several familiar faces, which should pull in audiences as well. Read our full Grizzly Night movie review here!
GRIZZLY NIGHT is a movie about the true tragedy that happened in Montana in 1967. Once again, we’re reminded of how difficult many things were before cell phones. Not that smartphones and social media would have helped avoid the bear attacks, but help (and warnings) would have been much easier to get.
I’m not sure what I expected from this movie, which doesn’t do anything wrong, so it’s a definite recommendation to watch from me. My rating isn’t higher simply because the movie does what I expected, but nothing more. This might sound a bit boring, but it truly isn’t. The runtime is just 87 minutes, which is a good thing, but it possibly kept me from getting more involved with the story and characters.
Continue reading our Grizzly Night movie review below. Find it On Demand from January 30, 2026.
Strong storytelling and a solid cast
Grizzly Night is based on true events, but of course, the movie itself becomes very character-driven. As such, we follow the victims of the grizzly bear attacks, but primarily a rookie Park Ranger, Joan Devereaux (Lauren Call), who just arrived at her station in Glacier National Park. Within her first day there, this place will become the scene of deadly grizzly attacks.
In an attempt to save those who were attacked, this Park Ranger leads a group out into the darkness. Grizzly Night is an example of how you can do everything right, and you still cannot fight against nature.
Along with Lauren Call as the park ranger, Grizzly Night stars Brec Bassinger (Final Destination: Bloodlines), Jack Griffo (Don’t Log Off), Charles Esten (The Postman), Oded Fehr (The Mummy), Joel Johnstone (CSI: Vegas), Josh Zuckerman (School Spirits), Matt Lintz (The Walking Dead) and Ali Skovbye (The Man in the High Castle).
The true events of Grizzly Night
Grizzly Night is based on the true events of August 12th, 1967. On this night, two separate camping parties were attacked by grizzly bears. It happened nine miles apart in Montana’s Glacier National Park. Because it happened in 1967, it took some time to get help, and warning others wasn’t nearly as easy as it would be today.
The result of this bear attack – which partially happens because food was left out in the area to show off the bears to visitors – was to start killing the grizzly bears in the area. A typical response, which is not at all unexpected. Fortunately, it also resulted in people no longer leaving out food.
As a very vocal animal lover, I should also mention that we never actually see an animal injured. Actually, we don’t see people getting injured either, but we do see the aftermath of the bear attacks. We only see rangers tasked with going after the bears, and some are ready to defend themselves against the bears, but it’s never about showing animals being hurt.
In fact, it’s much more of a cautionary tale, focusing on the fact that humans assumed the grizzly bears feared humans and would stay far away. Of course, drawing them in with food is still very counterproductive to that theory.
Watch Grizzly Night on Digital
Grizzly Night was directed by Burke Doeren, and this is his feature directorial debut. A very strong feature film debut, which is only highlighted by the runtime of 87 minutes. Yes, despite my feeling that maybe this shorter runtime kept me from getting as immersed in the story as possible, the pacing is strong, and that results in a movie that many should enjoy.
The screenplay comes from Katrina Mathewson and Tanner Bean, who both also worked on the story alongside Bo Bean. Again, this movie is based on true events and keeps with the vibe of 1967, where it takes place. This in itself is important to stay true to the events it’s based on.
Also, I did love that (once again) it’s a genre movie with animals in key roles, yet the focus is never on harming the animals. Well, certainly not on screen, though it was tragically the result in real life. Humans created a situation they couldn’t control, and animals paid the price. Isn’t that always how it goes?!
Grizzly Night is out On VOD & Digital on January 30, 2026. It will also be released in the UK & Ireland from February 2.
📺 Watch trailer
Plot
Based on true events, this terrifying survival thriller follows a rookie park ranger thrust into the fight of her life when Glacier National Park becomes the scene of deadly grizzly attacks. As panic spreads and communication breaks down, she must lead a group of frightened strangers through the darkness, confronting both the untamed wilderness and her own fears. What begins as a quiet summer evening turns into a night of chaos that changes the nation’s understanding of wildlife forever.
Details
Director: Burke Doeren
Screenplay: Katrina Mathewson, Tanner Bean
Story: Bo Bean, Katrina Mathewson, Tanner Bean
Cast: Charles Esten, Oded Fehr, Lauren Call, Joel Johnstone, Josh Zuckerman, Matt Lintz, Ali Skovbye, Sophia Gray with Brec Bassinger and Jack Griffo
- The Art of Sarah – Review | Netflix Series - February 13, 2026
- Million-Follower Detective – Review | Netflix Series - February 12, 2026
- Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – Movie Review (4/5) - February 11, 2026
