Did you know that horror maestro Ti West (The Innkeepers, most recently the X trilogy) got his start with a schlocky 2005 horror movie about bats? The Roost might have been a critical and commercial blunder, but I’ve always retained a soft spot for the movie, largely because I am a massive fan of bat horror movies. One of my favorites, of course, is Arthur Hiller’s 1979 creature feature Nightwing wherein a swarm of killer bats descend upon a sleepy desert town. I’m not the only fan, as champion of cinema Quentin Tarantino is also a huge fan of the film. If you’ve been sleeping on Nightwing, I’ve got great news—the movie is now streaming free on Tubi.
Per Tubi: After a Masakai Tribe High Priest summons the end of the world, several residents of a desert town are attacked and killed by a swarm of bats.
Quentin Tarantino has twice screened Nightwing at his New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles. The first time was a solo screening in 2017, and then once more as part of a curated “Animals Attack” series of films including Orca and The Prophecy. Hiller’s schlocktastic creature feature, a conspicuous attempt to capitalize on the success of Jaws, retains its own identity nonetheless. While it was a success only at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, the movie’s cult reputation has only improved in recent years, especially among genre heads like Quentin Tarantino.
In a review written to celebrate Nightwing’s New Beverly premiere, Quentin Tarantino praised the film. You can check out an archived version of his full writing here, but check out this choice reaction below:
“The movie sizzles for most of its length due to Hiller’s camera moves, Charles Rosher’s modern-day western photography, and Nick Mancuso’s legitimate smoldering sex appeal as the films tribal cop lead. And Carlo Rambaldi’s bats are great! As are his bat attacks! The greatest bats on strings in the history of cinema! And Hiller does a good job depicting the poverty-stricken Maski reservation. A community run by its tribal elders and priests, and the tribal cop is the only Native American authority with a foot in the modern world to represent the reservation residents.”
Quentin Tarantino goes on to praise Nightwing’s logic above all else, and if you’ve seen it, you’ll know exactly what he’s talking about. Even killer vampire bats can make sense. But, I want to hear what you think. Are you a fan of Nightwing? Do you agree with Quentin Tarantino? Let me know over on Twitter @Chadiscollins, and don’t forget to check out Nightwing streaming free on Tubi.
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