The Killer Shrews

Thorne Sherman and his first mate Rook Griswold deliver supplies to a remote island research station and unload. A hurricane bears down, forcing a decision about departure. Thorne insists it would be safer to stay and check the compound, while Rook remains with the boat.

Marlowe Craigis explains his goal to shrink humans by isolating growth and metabolism genes, hoping to curb overpopulation. He uses shrews as test subjects because of their short lifespans, allowing multiple generations to be studied quickly. He frames the research as essential despite the risks.

During the evening, Ann tells Jerry that their engagement is off due to his prior cowardice. She reveals her knowledge of Marlowe's experiments and their consequences. Thorne chooses to stay with the others, defusing the conflict.

The group learns that Marlowe's creatures, the mutated shrews, are nocturnal and have escaped containment. They barricade themselves inside the compound each evening and plan for the next day, hoping to finish their research before contacting help. The sense of isolation deepens as night falls.

Rook goes ashore to check for anything left behind, but is killed by the shrews. His death demonstrates how quickly the threat has escalated beyond the humans' control. The survivors realize the danger extends beyond the main building.

The storm intensifies and makes landfall. The shrews begin digging through the barn floor, turning it into a trap as they attack livestock and threaten the compound's perimeter. The survivors scramble to reinforce their defenses.

As dawn approaches, the storm weakens and the survivors realize they must escape by daybreak. They decide to leave the island by sea the moment the path becomes passable. The plan hinges on timing and avoiding the escalating threat.

A shrew exploits a broken window to slip into the basement. Mario confronts it and shoots the creature but is bitten in the process. Thorne treats the wound, but Mario dies almost immediately from the venom.

Radford examines the dead shrew and confirms that its venom is highly toxic, a side effect of the poisoned bait they had placed to kill the shrews. The discovery underscores the danger of their experiments getting out of control.

Thorne and Jerry scout the path off the island, hoping to find a route to safety. They discover Rook is missing, and the group resolves to bring the ship ashore using the trail. The tension rises as supplies dwindle and time runs short.

Jerry threatens Thorne with a gun to stay away from Ann, prompting Thorne to disarm him. They call Rook to bring the ship ashore, hoping to leave before the shrews worsen. The temporary truce is fragile as panic spreads.

Thorne fashions armor from empty 50-gallon drums to shield the group as they duck-walk toward the beach. Jerry refuses to ride due to claustrophobia, isolating himself on the compound roof as danger closes in. The plan is desperate but their best chance to reach the boat alive.

Jerry remains on the roof, unable to join the escape. When the coast seems clear, he dashes toward the shore but is cut off and killed by the pursuing shrews. His death underscores the cost of hesitation in the face of a lethal threat.

Thorne, Ann, and Marlowe reach the shoreline, ditch the improvised armor, and swim out to the boat. They reach safety and hope to return to the mainland, leaving the island behind them as the storm subsides.

Safely aboard the ship, Thorne and Ann share a kiss as they head back toward civilization. The immediate danger has passed, but the ordeal leaves a lasting impression about the consequences of unchecked experimentation.