Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020) | Official Trailer

Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020) is the seventh installment in the Tremors franchise, continuing the legacy of the original film’s quirky combination of horror, sci-fi, and comedy. Directed by Don Michael Paul, this latest chapter brings back the familiar, action-packed, monster-hunting action with a new setting and an escalating level of deadly creatures.

Plot Overview

In Tremors: Shrieker Island, the story follows Bert Gummer (played by Michael Gross), the rugged and resourceful survivalist who has appeared in every Tremors film since the original 1990 classic. Bert is once again thrust into the middle of a deadly situation when he is invited to a remote island to help stop an infestation of Shriekers, the deadly and highly intelligent creatures that have previously terrorized the world.

The island, owned by a private organization, becomes the battleground when a corporate greed-driven experiment goes wrong, and the Shriekers breed uncontrollably. As Bert joins a group of elite hunters, they quickly realize that the situation is far worse than they could have imagined. The Shriekers are more numerous and aggressive than ever before, and the group is now trapped on an island with nowhere to hide.

To survive, Bert and the team must use all their wits and weapons to fight back against the relentless monsters, as the island becomes a warzone of epic proportions. The group faces escalating danger as the Shriekers not only hunt them down but also begin to evolve into more terrifying and deadly forms.

Key Characters and Performances

• Bert Gummer (Michael Gross): Bert is the heart and soul of the Tremors franchise, and in Shrieker Island, his role as a survivalist and monster hunter is expanded. Michael Gross brings his signature humor, grit, and toughness to the role, making Bert a beloved character for long-time fans. Bert’s preparedness and ability to outwit the creatures, often using improvised traps and humor, are central to the film’s charm.
• Travis (Jon Heder): Travis is a new character introduced in this installment, played by Jon Heder (best known for Napoleon Dynamite). He adds a comedic element to the movie as a tech-savvy and somewhat hapless character who initially seems out of his depth but proves to be useful as the story progresses. His dynamic with Bert is one of the more entertaining aspects of the film.
• Other Characters: The ensemble cast includes various mercenaries and hunters hired to deal with the Shriekers, each bringing their own set of skills to the fight. The film features a mix of tough, action-oriented characters and those who offer comic relief, keeping in line with the franchise’s signature tone.

Themes and Exploration

• Corporate Greed and Consequences: The movie subtly critiques corporate greed, with the private island being used as a testing ground for dangerous biological experiments. The consequences of this exploitation are catastrophic, as the unchecked release of the Shriekers puts everyone in jeopardy.
• Survival and Teamwork: As with other films in the franchise, Shrieker Island focuses heavily on the theme of survival. Bert and his team must rely on each other’s unique skills to overcome the monsters. While Bert’s experience and tactics play a huge role, the other characters’ skills are essential for their collective survival.
• Humor in the Face of Danger: The Tremors series has always balanced horror and action with humor, and Shrieker Island is no different. The interactions between Bert and the other characters, particularly with the more comedic Travis, help to lighten the mood during the film’s intense action sequences.