Cub

Sam is a kid whose imagination runs wild, and his head is full of monsters. He heads into the woods for a summer scout camp with his pack, convinced the forest hides a real threat. The group wrestles with boredom, rules, and the rough humor of older scouts as they set up camp and test each other. As Sam clings to his imagined danger, the line between make believe and danger grows thinner, and strange things begin to creep into their camp routine. What starts as a simple outdoor excursion becomes a test of courage, trust, and what friendship means when fear takes hold. The group dynamics, the smell of pine, and the creak of canvas tents heighten the tension as Sam clings to stories of monsters while others focus on practical jokes.

Directed by Jonas Govaerts, Cub premiered in 2014 with a screenplay by Roel Mondelaers, bringing a tense survival tale to life with a distinctly Belgian forest setting. It marks Govaerts' feature debut and showcases practical effects.

Critics praised its relentless mood and the way fear seeps into group dynamics without flashy effects. The story explores childhood bravado, peer pressure, and the pull of survival instincts when danger feels close at hand. Some reviewers noted the film's restraint with horror, letting real tension carry the scene.

Cub stands out for grounding a horror atmosphere in natural landscapes and practical effects. Its focus on an all too real boyhood fear resonates with audiences who recall summer camp rituals and the tension between curiosity and danger in the outdoors. The film has inspired discussion on youth survival stories in European cinema.

Cub earned recognition on the festival circuit, drawing praise for Jonas Govaerts' feature debut, the taut direction, believable performances, and its stark, uncompromising take on childhood fear. It was noted for blending adventure with horror in a grounded rural setting and for its practical effects that linger.