Rogue (2007) is an Australian horror-thriller film directed by Greg McLean, known for his work on Wolf Creek (2005). The movie is a gripping, suspenseful creature feature centered on a giant, man-eating crocodile terrorizing a group of stranded tourists. Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Australian wilderness, Rogue is both visually stunning and intensely terrifying.
The story begins with Pete McKell (played by Michael Vartan), a travel writer on assignment in Australia. Pete joins a river cruise led by Kate Ryan (Radha Mitchell), a knowledgeable and resourceful guide who takes tourists on scenic journeys through a remote section of Australiaโs Northern Territory. The group of passengers includes a mix of characters, such as a grieving widower, a bickering couple, a mother with her sick child, and a pair of obnoxious thrill-seekers.
While cruising through a tranquil section of the river, the group encounters trouble when they respond to a flare fired in the distance. Following the source of the distress signal, they inadvertently venture into a crocodile’s territory. Their boat is attacked and capsized by a massive saltwater crocodile, leaving them stranded on a tiny, muddy island in the middle of the river.
As the tide begins to rise, their island shrinks, leaving the group with no choice but to face the lurking predator. Tensions rise as they struggle to survive the deadly creature and the harsh environment. The crocodile, which is not only massive but also highly territorial and intelligent, stalks them with relentless ferocity. What follows is a desperate battle for survival as the group works to outsmart the apex predator and make it back to safety.
Rogue received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its suspenseful storytelling, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of the crocodile. The film was lauded for its restrained use of gore and its focus on tension and atmosphere rather than cheap jump scares. However, some critics felt that the movieโs pacing was slow in the first act.