Dark Age

Dark Age

Year: 1987

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Director: Arch Nicholson

AdventureHorrorHorror the undead and monster classicsSci-fi horror creatures and aliensSci-fi monster and dinosaur adventures

Death is only one bite away. In the harsh Australian outback, a park ranger teams with two local guides to hunt a massive, man‑eating crocodile that has been terrorising the nearby community, racing against time before more lives are claimed.

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Timeline – Dark Age (1987)

Trace every key event in Dark Age (1987) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Poachers hunt a giant croc during a massive rainstorm

During a massive rainstorm, poachers head out onto a local river to hunt a colossal saltwater crocodile. They spot the 7.6-metre beast and attempt to capture it, but the creature overturns their boat, leaving John Besser as the sole survivor.

Night Northern Territory river
2

Rescue team arrives and Besser vows revenge

The following day, ranger Steve Harris, Oondabund, and Adjaral head out to check on the poachers and rescue Besser. Besser vows revenge against the beast.

Next day morning Local riverbank
3

Beast kills an Aboriginal child

The crocodile attacks and kills an Aboriginal child, escalating fear in the community. The murder spurs action from the authorities and villagers alike.

Later that day Local community
4

Harris ordered to kill Numunwari; soul belief revealed

Steve Harris is ordered by Rex Garret to kill Numunwari. Oondabund refuses to allow this and explains that the beast is Numunwari, believed to be a mystical repository of the community's souls.

Following the assignment Ranger HQ
5

Beast murders a thug at the harbour

The beast murders a thug at the local harbour, demonstrating its deadly reach. Harris begins to organize a hunt, blending science and Indigenous knowledge.

Shortly after the assignment Local harbour
6

Plan to capture and release downstream

Harris convinces Oondabund to help in the hunt, agreeing to capture Numunwari and release it downstream away from people. The plan aims to return the beast to its homeland and protect the community.

During planning Along the river downstream
7

Plan approved and cooperation formed

Rex Garret gives the go-ahead for the plan, approving the joint hunt. The agreement formalizes cooperation between the ranger and the Aboriginal leaders.

Planning phase Ranger HQ
8

Hunt begins: trio pursues the beast while Besser traps it

Harris, Oondabund, and Adjaral set out along the river to locate and trap the beast. In parallel, Besser and a friend head out with a net, intending to kill the creature.

During the hunt River
9

Beast maims Besser during the chase

The beast ambushes Besser, dragging him into the water and tearing off his arm. The chase demonstrates the predator's ferocity and the high stakes of the hunt.

During the net trap attempt River
10

Capture and transport to the mainland

Harris, Oondabund, and Adjaral successfully capture Numunwari and bring it to the mainland. They transport the beast in a truck, while Besser and Cathy Pope pursue to warn the trio.

After capture Mainland transport route
11

Confrontation at the beast's downstream home

The trio arrives at the beast's home, intending to release it away from people. Besser and his friends arrive immediately after, initiating a confrontation.

Arrival moment Beast's home downstream
12

Gunfight and Oondabund is wounded

Besser attacks the beast with an axe as it flees into the river, while Harris's group and Besser's men exchange fire. Oondabund is fatally wounded in the crossfire.

During the confrontation Beast's riverine habitat
13

Besser is killed by the beast

The beast eludes capture and drags Besser underwater, killing him. The pursuit ends with the predator still at large in the river.

After the gunfight River
14

Oondabund's remains fed to Numunwari

Sometime later, Adjaral feeds Oondabund's remains to the beast in accordance with their religion. The ritual underscores the spiritual significance of Numunwari.

Sometime later Beast's river habitat
15

Aftermath and lingering danger

With the immediate threat unresolved, Numunwari and the community remain bound by ritual beliefs and the predator's presence. The ending hints that the struggle between people and the beast will continue.

Later River/beast's habitat

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:20

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