Following the success of films like *Jaws* in 1975, movies about nature turning dangerous became quite popular for roughly the next decade, and they’re still being made today. "Squirm" arrived one year after *Jaws*, released in late July 1976 in the USA and generally in 1977-1978 elsewhere. The story centers on a coastal Georgia town where a storm knocks down power lines, electrifying the wet ground and unleashing countless sand worms—ranging from ten to eighteen inches long—that live in the area. Mick (John Scardino), a visitor from the city, is there to see Geri (Patricia Pearcy), the oldest daughter of a widow (Jean Sullivan). A local man named Roger (R.A. Dow) suffers an attack by the worms and descends into madness as these slimy creatures assault the townspeople over the course of a day and night. The opening credits state that the events are supposedly based on something that really happened on September 29, 1975. I first saw "Squirm" when I was thirteen years old—and under the influence, which thankfully isn’t something I do anymore—and it genuinely terrified me! I was completely absorbed by the narrative, its unsettling atmosphere, and the Southern setting. It really held my attention. Revisiting it now as an adult (and sober), it's naturally not quite as frightening or captivating, but that initial viewing earned my complete and lasting respect. The film was shot in the South, specifically in Port Wentworth, Georgia, just north of Savannah, and the actors fully commit to portraying Southern characters, giving the movie a genuine sense of authenticity. The pacing is generally slow, but that’s alright given its length of ninety-two minutes. It has plenty of atmosphere and some genuinely creepy moments, such as when the worms attack Roger's face while he’s fishing in a rowboat with Geri. The narrative isn’t campy at all, despite what some people say, though there are instances of realistic humor. It's largely presented seriously; and the performances by the main actors are convincing and good (though not so much from the minor characters). Roger seems like a friendly, genuine country boy before his attack. All these elements explain how I was able to get drawn into the story and take it seriously—at least as seriously as you can with a plot like this. It may not be a top-tier film like *Jaws* or *Orca*, but it’s certainly a good “B” movie, assuming you enjoy films about nature gone wild. Don't pay attention to those who dismiss this as a low-quality production; it isn’t—it's a well-made B picture. How you experience "Squirm" will depend on your own personality. Some viewers might find it unintentionally funny or cheesy, while others, like myself, will take it seriously and appreciate the eerie atmosphere, Southern locations, and a few good scares. "Squirm" works effectively for what it is. GRADE: B

Source on TMDB