In an age where CGI effects are the rule rather than the exception, many audiences have become so accustomed to digital FX, that when there’s a film where the bulk of the creations are practical, some tend to balk at the notion. The truth is, practical effects have been around since the beginning of cinema, reaching their height in popularity in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, when studios began churning out some of the most infamous horror films of the time. For those of a certain generation (AKA the fans who grew up with those movies), practical, homegrown special effects can rouse feelings of nostalgia and immense appreciation. The Tank, from New Zealand writer/director Scott Walker, leans into this sentimentality by bringing in Weta Studios to deliver a gruesome creature feature.

Set in the 1970s, young couple Ben (Matt Whelan) and Jules (Luciane Buchanan), are struggling to make ends meet while running their pet store business and raising their young daughter, Reia (Zara Nausbaum) in Northern California. When they unexpectedly receive news that they’ve inherited a property in Coastal Oregon from Ben’s late mother, they eagerly embrace the surprise, hopeful it can be turned around for a profit and help ease their money woes. 

Though enthusiastic over the prospect, many questions arise as well – in particular, why Ben wasn’t aware of the property until now. The mystery only deepens once they arrive to find the shack in severe disrepair, having been abandoned for decades. As they begin to uncover clues to both the house and Ben’s past, they unearth a sinister secret lurking beneath the ground. An ancient, reptilian creature has been awakened, and begins to unleash its carnage on them and anyone in its path, raising the stakes as they fight for their lives against it.

Right out the gate, the most obvious achievement from The Tank is, of course, the eye-popping effects on the monster, courtesy of Weta. The design is refreshingly unique – while it’s a primitive, slimy, sewer-dweller, it doesn’t resemble any beast seen in other creature features. It’s both gross and terrifying enough that it’s sure to delight horror fans and casual viewers alike. The fact that the studio went through the trouble to create something that is both one-of-a-kind and human-made is impressive and helps set this movie apart from others who have similar storylines.

Whelan and Buchanan work well together as Ben and Jules, and provide plenty of believable chemistry and strife, providing authentic portrayals of a couple who are just trying to do their best. They’re likable right from the start, make decisions that aren’t too far-fetched or egregious, and fight like hell to protect their family and what’s rightfully theirs. In that regard, The Tank gives off some serious Aliens vibes, in both tone, pacing, and dialogue, but does so in a way that feels more homage than ripoff. 

In addition, the cinematography by Aaron Morton is beautifully done, with a superb blend of sweeping, panoramic outdoor shots and tight, dark sequences that make nearly every frame feel like it’s from a blockbuster-level budget. Max Aruj’s music also deserves praise for its powerful, foreboding undertones that help to elevate every moment, from the quiet, anxious ones to the chaotic, climactic ones. 

As noted earlier, the story itself isn’t necessarily anything distinctive, and without the help of a talented cast and crew, may have sunk this story entirely. Thankfully, The Tank gives this heart-pounding tale enough spicy ingredients to form a delicious pot of horror stew that shouldn’t be missed.