Most people will think that 1986’s Link is the most well-known killer ape movie; but have those people seen Shakma?
Released in 1990, this killer slasher sees a group of doctors targeted by an baboon thought dead after a mysterious experiment.
Very much a message about not messing with nature or it will mess with you, Shakma doesn’t mess about, with some genuinely terrifying attack sequences. It also follows the slasher formula, with the staff all bumped off one by one with the highlight being the demise of Tracy (Amanda Wyss) in a horrific toilet ambush.
The cast is also stacked with Elm Street alumni Amanda Wyss, Blue Lagoon’s Christopher Atkins, and Fright Night’s Roddy McDowall. Even Typhoon the ape who portrays Shakma had previous Hollywood experience most notably in 1986’s The Fly.
There are hints of nasty gore, but it is largely kept in shadow, with the true horror of Shakma in its viciousness.
David C. Williams’ score is also intense, often soaring when Shakma is on the prowl throughout the hospital.
The best part about Shakma is in the detail, as the deaths really carry some weight, as we build up the relationships of the group, which only enhances some of their demises.
If you’ve been sleeping on Shakma it’s time to scratch that itch; you can thank me later.
Bloody Flicks 