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Horror thriller

Killing Ground (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Killing Ground (2017) movie poster

Killing Ground is a 2017 horror thriller directed by Damien Power, starring Aaron Glenane, Aaron Pedersen and Maya Stange. It runs 1 hour 28 minutes and earned $80,051 worldwide on a $1.3 million budget. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 74% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
74%
worldwide gross
$80.1K
award nominations
2
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Killing Ground (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 28m (88 min)
Director
Damien Power
Genres
Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
Budget
$1.3M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Killing Ground About?

The premise of Killing Ground without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Seeking an escape from city life, Sam and Ian retreat to a secluded beachside location. Their relaxing weekend is shattered by the discovery of an abandoned campsite and a distressed child. This unsettling find triggers a terrifying sequence of events, as they become the targets of two dangerous locals who initiate a violent and chaotic confrontation, forcing them to fight for their lives.

Killing Ground Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • rape
  • rape and murder
  • camping
  • violence
  • australia
  • rifle
  • held at gunpoint
  • hunting rifle
  • father daughter relationship
  • husband wife relationship
  • mother daughter relationship
  • wilderness
+38 more
  • doctor
  • boyfriend girlfriend relationship
  • duct tape over mouth
  • bound with duct tape
  • backpack
  • flat tire
  • rape victim
  • rapist
  • tied to a tree
  • shooting beer can off head
  • scoped rifle
  • shot in the chest
  • gunshot wound
  • cut with a knife
  • cut arm
  • chased by a dog
  • woods
  • rope
  • hung by wrists
  • hands tied
  • police officer killed
  • police officer shot
  • police
  • policeman
  • nonlinear timeline
  • shot in the shoulder
  • leg injury
  • hit with a rock
  • hit on the head with a rock
  • murderer duo
  • heroine
  • tied to a steering wheel
  • head smashed with rock
  • hiking
  • woman murders a man
  • killed with a rock
  • child in jeopardy
  • car crashes into a tree
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Cast & crew

Killing Ground Cast

Aaron Glenane leads the cast, with Aaron Pedersen and Maya Stange. Directed by Damien Power; 11 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Damien Power

More films directed by Damien Power, best-rated first: No Exit and Bat Eyes.

Full filmography
Ratings

Killing Ground Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Killing Ground 74% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

70 /100

Killing Ground Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Killing Ground strikes a balance between disciplined craftsmanship and uneven storytelling. Reviewers noted the economical direction and cohesive visual style that heighten suspense, yet opinions diverged on the plot’s originality and coherence. The non-linear structure adds momentary intrigue but also contributes to pacing irregularities, while the realistic violence elicits strong reactions. User feedback highlights frustration with formulaic elements and limited shock for seasoned viewers. Ultimately, the film delivers a moderately engaging thriller that is technically assured but narratively inconsistent.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film displays disciplined technical execution balanced with aesthetic restraint. Reviewers highlighted the economical editing, precise framing, and subtle cinematography that enhance tension without overt stylization. A few observers found the stylistic approach comparably subdued next to more overt horror visuals. The overall craftsmanship effectively underpins the film’s suspenseful tone.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    In terms of character and emotion, performances are generally convincing but not deeply introspective. Screen Daily noted believable portrayals that ground the violence, while Village Voice praised the choice not to glamorize the killers. However, some observers found limited character development beyond the central arcs. Ultimately, the film balances adequate acting with modest emotional depth.

  • Story & Flow 65

    When it comes to story and flow, opinions are mixed regarding narrative coherence. Critics acknowledged the non-linear structure’s tension-building potential, though some found the plot formulaic and familiar. The layered suspense tracks were described as effective, but others felt the pacing lagged during exposition. In sum, the storyline offers intermittent engagement tempered by conventional elements.

  • Sensory Experience 72

    In terms of sensory experience, the film’s realistic violence and restrained sound design work together to unnerve viewers. Many reviewers pointed to the shock value of its mundane brutality, while some noted the audio-visual minimalism enhances suspense. A minority felt the aesthetic restraint curtailed visceral impact. Overall, the sensory elements deliver a chilling sense of dread.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    When considering rewatch factor, the film’s reliance on real-time tension and non-linear reveals may limit subsequent enjoyment. The structure’s initial mystery holds its appeal once but offers fewer surprises thereafter. While the craftsmanship remains evident on repeat viewings, the conventional plot undercuts lasting novelty, resulting in modest replay value.

Plot

Killing Ground Plot Summary

What happens in Killing Ground from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ian Smith, portrayed by Aaron Glenane, and his girlfriend, Samantha “Sam” Shaw, take off on a romantic getaway to a secluded beach to celebrate New Year’s Eve. During their journey, they encounter Scotty “German” Shepherd, a local resident who shares enchanting stories about a stunning waterfall. After arriving, they set up camp near an abandoned locality, ensuring they leave no trace of the previous inhabitants.

Full summary

The whole story of Killing Ground, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Killing Ground Box Office & Budget

Killing Ground grossed $80,051 worldwide on a $1.3 million budget, 6% of what it cost.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$80.1K

6% of its budget back

International
$80.1K
Budget
$1.3M
Awards

Killing Ground Awards & Nominations

Killing Ground was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 2 nominations come from 2 ceremonies.

2 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

Killing Ground Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

Official US Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Trailer Trailer #2
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Killing Ground?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the primary setting where Ian and Sam go for their getaway?

Details

Killing Ground Also Known As

9 alternative titles, including “Смертоносная земля” and “O Acampamento”.

Also known as
  • Смертоносная земля
  • O Acampamento
  • Zabójcza ziemia
  • 杀戮场
  • 킬링 그라운드
  • 殺戮場
  • Öldürme Zemini
  • キリング・グラウンド
  • แดนระยำ

Seen Killing Ground?

FAQ

Killing Ground FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Killing Ground, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Killing Ground?

Killing Ground runs 1 hour 28 minutes (88 minutes).

When was Killing Ground released?

Killing Ground was released on July 21, 2017.

Who directed Killing Ground?

Killing Ground was directed by Damien Power.

More films by Damien Power

Who is in the cast of Killing Ground?

Killing Ground stars Aaron Glenane, Aaron Pedersen and Maya Stange, among 11 credited actors.

How much did Killing Ground make at the box office?

Killing Ground grossed $80,051 worldwide on a budget of $1.3 million.

How is Killing Ground rated?

Killing Ground has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, 59 on Metacritic and 61% on TMDB.

Was Killing Ground nominated for any awards?

Killing Ground received 2 nominations across 2 ceremonies.

Does Killing Ground have a post-credit scene?

No. Killing Ground has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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