Running Time: 102 Minutes
Starring: Luke Hemsworth, Kevin Durand, Craig Luazon, Leenah Robinson, Michael Pitt
As he returns to the directors chair for the first time since 2012, Casey Walker has the rare distinction of premiering two brand-new features in the same year at FrightFest. One of those films is the excellent Home Bodies, which was made during the extensive post-production work for Walker's other feature, Ithaqua. The year is 1821. A remote Fur Trade Outpost is struggling amidst a brutal winter and the declining fur trade. As it becomes more difficult to find food, American mercenary Cole Franklin (Luke Hemsworth) is tasked with leading a party to a nearby Indigenous village. What they discover is the sight of a massacre, with the party's return to the fort followed by the force responsible for the bloodshed.
The direness of the situation is made clear early on, with a miscount of stock leaving the food in short supply. Even with party numbers dwindling due to tragic losses, there is still not enough sustenance for people, a truth which leaves them on edge. As tempers raise while temperatures lower, the situation feels like it is building towards an unfortunate decision courtesy of desperation.
At the centre of this story is Cole, an American mercenary who is considered dishonourable for being a deserter. The truth is that he has tried outrunning his past, with the memories of his actions haunting him. His one place of peace is with Annung, an indigenous woman who he has found love with. The worsening situation leaves Cole to confront what he is ashamed of, with Luke Hemsworth effectively bringing alive these aspects of the character.
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Joining Cole on his journey is Lt. Walker, a man of honour who voices his disdain for particularly grotesque jokes. Kevin Durand once again shows what an enjoyable presence he is, commanding each frame while utilising a British accent and wearing a hat of considerable height. He acts in the command of McKellar, the head of the fort who is driven by the loss of his wife. In the role is Michael Pitt, with a questionable performance that feels too over-the-top to inspire much other than confusion.
Casey Walker delivers excitement on the screen, particularly with well-crafted scenes of action. A memorable moment involves an interestingly gory sequence, where a pile of dead bodies is discovered to contain an antagonist figure lurking within. Yet that is a sharp contrast to a moment within a darkened storehouse, where the muddled sequence of events undercuts what should be a key part of the story. It must also be said how, when it comes to bringing alive larger elements of the story, the visual effects are notably glaring.
What this brings to mind is Ravenous, Antonia Bird's underrated 1999 film which also had cannibalism unfolding in the frozen lands. But, while that film worked in spite of its curious mixture of elements, Casey Walker's film takes a more straightforward approach which is aching for a stronger antagonist. Ithaqua remains a solid tale of frontier survival which is never afraid to get grisly.
Ithaqua made its World Premiere at FrightFest 2026. Coming soon to UK Cinemas
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