Aquanoids is a horror film from 2003, directed by Reinhart “Ray” Peschke. The cast includes Laura Nativo, Rhoda Jordan, Edwin Craig, and Ike Gingrich. The story takes place on an isolated island in the Pacific, which is shattered during the Fourth of July celebrations when a number of deaths caused by sea creatures called Aquanoids. These events are further complicated by a powerful classic monster, incredible sea scenery and unexplainable forces in addition to institutional decay.

Plot Overview

Babylon Bay was calm until 1987, when humanoid sea creatures known as Aquanoids came to shores, killing seventeen people. In 2003, the creatures emerged again to massacre more people on the island. Vanessa DuMont, the main character and a mother whose tragic death remains unsolved to this day, along with her daughter fights for justice.

Knowing fully well how dangerous the Aquanoids can be, Vanessa attempts to mobilize the townsfolk in a desperate bid to avert further slaughter. Unfortunately, these attempts are constantly thwarted by the less-than-reputable mayor of the town, who, for the new mall, is attempting to downplay the death toll by blaming it on unfortunate boating accidents. With every step taken toward the goal, their determination only grows stronger. As the number of victims continues to increase, including the unfortunate daughter of the mayor himself, Vanessa’s determination only increases. To spread the word, she tries every single method from flyer signing to TV shows aiming to save as many people as possible. In a heroic standoff with the creatures, she puts an end to the carnage in the grand finale of the film.

Character Descriptions

• Vanessa DuMont (Laura Nativo): She is an oceanographer who carries within a great deal of personal pain. The very island that she is working on has its tragic pages, one of which is the death of her mother at the hands of the Aquanoids. Therefore, in combination with her profession and personal motives, she becomes the spearhead for saving the town from the impending threat.
• Christina (Rhoda Jordan): Vanessa’s trusty companion, helping her tackle the emotional turmoil inbetween their efforts to vanquish the creatures.
• Frank Walsh (narrated by Edwin Craig): Aof the titular town where the events unfold, he is the Mayor who is more politically driven and financially motivated, thereby looking down upon the frequency of Aquanoid attacks which leads the community towards calamity.
• Clint Jefferson (narrated by Ike Gingrich): He is one of the local people who is caught in the middle of the on going chaos and whose decisions affect the people’s response towards the crisis.

Themes and Style

Aquanoids tackles issues such as the conflicts between economic and social interests and the strength of an ordinary person facing forces beyond nature, and overall neglecting the effect of history in classic monster horror. It’s style channels the spirit of creature feature B-movies, noted for its practical effects, thrilling action, and the depiction of a small town’s reaction when confronted by danger.

Conclusion

Aquanoids presents a uniquely nostalgic approach to the horror sub-genre of sea monsters with a story rife with personal avengers and the fight for community survival. The film leans into familiar genre tropes, yet offers a stunning backdrop and a terrorized protagonist to meet the unfolding calamity. Classic fans of creature features should make the time to watch Aquanoids.