TITLE: THE YETI
IN AMC THEATERS: April 4th & 8th
ON DIGITAL: April 10th
DIRECTORS: Gene Gallerano, William Pisciotta
WRITERS: Gene Gallerano, William Pisciotta
CAST: Brittany Allen, Eric Nelsen, Jim Cummings, Christina Bennett Lind, Linc Hand, with William Sadler and Corbin Bernsen
RUN TIME: 91 minutes
RATING: R
GENRE: Horror
DISTRIBUTOR: Well Go USA
THE YETI stands apart from many modern creature features by trading campy thrills for a colder, more ominous tone. Set against the stark backdrop of the late 1940s, the film follows oil tycoon Merriell Sunday Sr. (Corbin Bernsen) and seasoned adventurer Hollis Bannister (William Sadler), who vanished without a trace in the remote wilderness of northern Alaska. When news of their disappearance reaches home, Ellie Bannister (Brittany Allen) and Merriell Sunday Jr. (Eric Nelsen) set out on a perilous expedition to find them. But as their search pushes deeper into the frozen unknown, they begin to realize they are not alone—something ancient and predatory is stalking them from the shadows.
Filmed in Buffalo, New York – standing in convincingly for the harsh Alaskan terrain—the movie benefits from a chilling, atmospheric setting that enhances its slow-burning tension. In their directorial debuts, Gene Gallerano and William Pisciotta craft a dark, character-driven monster film that prioritizes mood, suspense, and emotional weight over spectacle. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, carefully building unease before accelerating into a gripping and intense final act.
At the heart of the film is Brittany Allen’s commanding performance as Ellie Bannister, a resilient and determined protagonist whose strength anchors the narrative. She brings grit and authenticity to the role, making it easy to root for her survival. Linc Hand also delivers a standout performance as Coates, a scarred and quietly intense figure whose presence lingers long after each scene. His portrayal is subtle yet powerful, elevating the film with a sense of grounded realism. While veterans Corbin Bernsen and William Sadler bring their usual charisma, it’s Hand’s layered performance that truly surprises.
The creature itself is used sparingly, with the film opting to keep the Yeti largely hidden for much of its runtime. This choice may leave some viewers wanting more, especially those hoping for a closer look at the monster. However, the restrained approach ultimately serves the film’s suspenseful tone, allowing tension and imagination to do much of the work. When the creature does emerge, it delivers a few memorable moments—particularly in a third act that offers unexpected twists and reveals tied to a secondary storyline.
While The Yeti may not be flawless, it succeeds in carving out its own identity within the creature feature genre. Its commitment to a darker, more grounded atmosphere, combined with strong performances and a distinct period setting, makes it a compelling watch. Gallerano and Pisciotta demonstrate a confident directorial voice, grounding their fictional tale in a sense of realism that draws the audience in. For viewers seeking a brooding, character-focused monster film with bursts of visceral horror, The Yeti offers a chilling journey well worth taking.
THE YETI
will be released In AMC Theaters April 4th & 8th and On Digital April 10th.
