Cry Wilderness (1987) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place in a vast natural park where Will Cooper works as a ranger. The setting includes a Natural History Museum, wildlife habitats, crumbling mining town ruins within the park, and a lake that becomes a focal point for the characters' quest.

• setting
• location
• park
• mining town ruins
• lake
• natural park

The movie is set in the late 1980s, during a contemporary era with Coca-Cola, portable radios playing rock music, and field trips to museums. References to 'last summer' and a Christmas holiday suggest a school year arc, anchoring the Bigfoot legend in a pre-digital age.

• time period
• 1980s
• era
• late 1980s
• contemporary setting

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

• belief
• skepticism
• fantasy
• reality
• adults vs children
• wonder

The park and its animals drive the plot, from a sick bird to a tiger on the loose and 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.

• nature
• wildlife
• conservation
• animals
• tiger
• raccoons
• park

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.

• authority
• folklore
• law enforcement
• local legend
• Native American wisdom
• storytelling

Paul Cooper is a brave, curious young student who believes in Bigfoot and carries an amulet that glows during contact with the creature. 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.

• paul cooper
• main character
• believer
• amulet
• child hero

Will Cooper is a park ranger and Paul Cooper's devoted father. Practical and protective, he balances his duty to protect the park's wildlife with care for his family. His character embodies responsible stewardship and the harsh choices that come with preserving both people and animals.

• will cooper
• park ranger
• father
• protector
• steward

Bigfoot appears as a protective, elusive cryptid 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.

• bigfoot
• cryptid
• creature
• myth
• legend
• protective

Red Hawk is an elder with deep knowledge of the land who takes 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.

• red hawk
• elder
• Native American
• wisdom
• amulet
• guardian

Morgan Hicks is 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.

• morgan hicks
• hunter
• antagonist
• villain
• big-game hunter

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.

• adventure
• courage
• quest
• rescue
• journey
• teamwork
• perilous trek

Dr. Helen Foster is a veterinarian with the park who 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.

• dr helen foster
• veterinarian
• animals
• caretaker
• supporting character

The film has a whimsical tone established by a magical Bigfoot communicating through purple smoke and glowing amulets, placing it firmly in the realm of gentle fantasy. The emotional weight is light, dealing with themes of belief and friendship without delving into serious trauma, and the ending is unambiguously happy.

• tone
• whimsical
• family
• fantasy
• lighthearted
• happy ending
• gental