Vietnam making a killer bear movie was nowhere on my 2024 bingo card, yet this past summer, Claws (Móng Vuốt) roared into Vietnamese theaters. And after having seen it, I can safely say this is a step in the right direction for V-Horror. Keep in mind, it’s not a flawless movie — not at all. However, it is unlike anything else coming out of the country’s genre output so far. So what would be absolutely generic for one film industry is rather special for another.
Lê Thanh Sơn‘s Claws begins with the typical opening in these kinds of movies: an unsuspecting character meets a grisly fate at the beast’s hands (or paws, in this case). The unseen yet totally predatory animal’s POV is similar to that of Jaws, but for some strange reason, there is now a red and almost Predator-like saturation to the bear’s vision. Once the initial attack is executed and the threat is established, the story moves on to the main course: a group of young campers whose general motif can best be described as “alternative,” although nowadays this appearance has become mainstream. I imagine older, conservative Viets like my parents would be taken aback by the visible, excessive tattoos and unnaturally colored and styled hair. Nevertheless, the bear’s would-be fodder appear properly edgy, but looks can be deceiving. These seven characters are more bark than bite, as it turns out.
Like others before them, these urbanites were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They unknowingly set up camp right in the middle of the bear’s stomping grounds. And after getting the gist of their preexisting, interpersonal conflicts — with three couples and one ambiguously queer seventh wheel, there will be drama — the furry headliner starts running amok. It’s unclear why someone would ever think to park their van right on the edge of a high cliff, but that inane decision adds tension. As the panicked characters take refuge inside the vehicle for most of the second act, you simply wait for the plummet.
Don’t expect any practical bear effects here, and don’t even think the VFX will be realistic. We very well know what a bear should look like. That being said, the CGI is serviceable and well cloaked by dark forestry and quick-cut direction. Honestly, it’s more impressive than expected from a film industry not known for effect-heavy monster movies.
The straightforwardness of Claws may or may not be of some appeal. If you want a high concept, though, this isn’t the movie for you. The bear here is on the attack for an understandable reason. She’s not blitzed on coke or acting on mother nature’s behalf as a response to mankind’s pollution. For anyone else who enjoys a simply told nature’s revenger, then Claws should be a decent snack. It never breaks new ground or thinks too outside the box, but it keeps your interest. At a nice 90-something minutes, the pacing is well done, minus a few odd moments. Melodramatic interruptions paired with saccharine ballads randomly undermine the horrors of one incredibly pissed-off mama bear.
Tales from the Paulside 
Leave a comment