Cry Wilderness

Cry Wilderness

Year: 1987

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Jay Schlossberg-Cohen

AdventureFantasyFamily

Paul, a young student, discovers a gentle Bigfoot‑like creature in the wilderness and forms a secret bond with it. Meanwhile his father, a park ranger, is tasked with tracking an escaped tiger that has the whole town on edge. David, a local, works to keep the creature hidden as tension rises.

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Timeline & Setting – Cry Wilderness (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cry Wilderness (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1980s

The events unfold in a contemporary era, with Coca-Cola, portable radios playing rock music, and a field-trip culture that fits a late 20th-century setting. The story references 'last summer' and a Christmas holiday, implying a school year arc and seasonal changes typical of that era. The timeframe anchors the Bigfoot legend in a pre-digital age, relying on outdoor exploration and local lore.

Location

Natural History Museum, Natural Park, Mining Town ruins in the park, Lake

The story begins with a field trip to a Natural History Museum before revealing a vast natural park where Will Cooper works as a ranger. The park contains wildlife habitats, a crumbling mining town ruin within its bounds, and a lake that becomes a focal point for the group’s quest. The setting blends educational exploration with rugged wilderness, creating a backdrop for mystery, danger, and folklore.

🏞️ Nature 🧭 Adventure 🐾 Wildlife 🗺️ Museum

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:22

Main Characters – Cry Wilderness (1987)

Meet the key characters of Cry Wilderness (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Cooper (Eric Foster)

A brave, curious boy who believes in Bigfoot and carries an amulet that glows in moments of contact. His imagination draws him toward adventure, sometimes clashing with adults’ push for rational explanations. He serves as the catalyst for reconnecting his father with the legend and guiding others toward faith in the extraordinary.

🎒 Child 🧭 Believer 🧩 Resourceful

Will Cooper (Maurice Grandmaison)

A park ranger and devoted father who navigates danger to protect his family. Practical and protective, he balances his duty with care for Paul, Jim, and the park’s wildlife. His character embodies responsible stewardship and the harsh choices that come with preserving both people and animals.

🌲 Father 🛡️ Protector 🐾 Ranger

Dr. Helen Foster (Faith Clift)

A veterinarian with the park, she cares for injured animals and supports the group during the crisis. Calm and capable, she provides medical insight and a stable presence as danger escalates. She represents compassionate science within the wilderness.

🐾 Veterinarian 🧬 Caregiver 🧭 Outdoors

Jim (John Tallman)

Will’s outdoorsman friend who joins the hunt and shows loyalty to his companions. He is cautious yet brave, contributing practical knowledge of the park and its dangers. His character adds cultural context to the expedition.

🪶 Outdoorsman 🗺️ Ally 🤝 Loyal

Red Hawk (Foster Hood)

An elder with deep knowledge of the land and a protective stance toward Paul and Bigfoot. He reveals vital truths about the legend and uses his amulet to shield them from harm. He embodies wisdom and a strong ancestral connection to the mountains.

🪶 Elder 🦅 Spiritual guide 🗝️ Protector

Morgan Hicks (Griffin Casey)

A ruthless big-game hunter hired to hunt the mysterious creature. He embodies greed and aggression, pressing the group into dangerous confrontations. His downfall comes from underestimating the park’s guardians and the power of belief.

🏹 Hunter 🗡️ Antagonist 🧿 Opportunist

Bigfoot (Tom Folkes)

A cryptid who appears as a protective, elusive figure rather than a mere monster. He interacts with Paul, enabling a bond between childlike wonder and the wild landscape. His presence blurs the line between myth and reality.

👣 Mythical creature 🛡️ Protector 🐾 Enigma

Sheriff (Joe Fuzz)

The park's sheriff who is on a mission to hunt the elusive large animal. He represents the edge of law enforcement clashing with legends and wilderness dangers. He learns that not all mysteries deserve to be pursued with guns and nets.

🕵️ Law enforcement 🗺️ Authority 🦅 Fearless

Mr. Douglas (Navarre Perry)

The headmaster who initially rebukes Paul’s stories as childish fantasies. His skepticism drives tension and highlights the gap between adult realism and youthful belief. He ultimately learns to open his eyes to the possibility of wonder.

🏛️ Authority 🗯️ Skeptic 📚 Educator

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:22

Major Themes – Cry Wilderness (1987)

Explore the central themes of Cry Wilderness (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪄 Belief vs Skepticism

Paul clings to fairy tales and the idea that Bigfoot is real, while adults demand proof. Mr. Douglas embodies rational skepticism, challenging Paul’s story. The film suggests belief can coexist with evidence, especially for children who see wonder where adults see doubt.

🌲 Nature & Wildlife

The park and its animals drive the plot—from the sick bird to the tiger on the loose and the rescued raccoons. The narrative emphasizes conservation, respect for wildlife, and the dangers of reckless hunting. Nature serves as both playground and perilous arena for the characters.

🧭 Adventure & Courage

Paul, Will, Jim, and Helen undertake a perilous trek through the park to rescue Will and uncover the Bigfoot legend. The journey tests trust, resilience, and moral choices, such as whether to pursue danger or protect lives. The quest culminates in a climactic confrontation that hinges on belief and teamwork.

🏛️ Authority & Folklore

The film pits school authority and law enforcement against local belief and folklore. Mr. Douglas and the sheriff seek to control the narrative, while Red Hawk and Bigfoot embody enduring wisdom. The resolution recognizes stories as valid possibilities rather than dismissing them outright.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:22

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Cry Wilderness Summary

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Cry Wilderness Timeline

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Cry Wilderness Timeline

More About Cry Wilderness

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