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Straw Dogs is a 2011 American action thriller film directed by Rod Lurie. It serves as a remake of Sam Peckinpah's 1971 film of the same name, which was based on the novel The Siege of Trencher's Farm by Gordon Williams. The film stars James Marsden as David Sumner and Kate Bosworth as Amy Sumner, a married couple who relocate to a small Southern town and face increasing hostility from the locals.
In the film, David Sumner, a Hollywood screenwriter, and his wife Amy move to Blackwater, Mississippi, hoping for a peaceful environment for David to work on his script. They settle in Amy's childhood home, which has been vacant since her father's death. Upon arrival, they hire local men, led by Amy's former boyfriend Charlie Venner, to repair their barn roof. Tensions rise as David feels intimidated by Charlie and his friends, who harass him and make crude remarks toward Amy.
The situation escalates when the couple discovers their cat has been killed, leading them to suspect Charlie and his crew. One night, while driving home from a football game, they accidentally hit Jeremy Niles, a mentally challenged man fleeing from Tom Heddon, the local football coach. They take Jeremy to their home to call for help but soon find themselves targeted by Heddon and a mob of locals demanding Jeremy's surrender.
As violence erupts, David and Amy barricade themselves in their house with Jeremy. They are forced to defend themselves against the increasingly aggressive mob. In a series of brutal confrontations, David and Amy resort to extreme measures to protect themselves and Jeremy. The film culminates in a bloody climax that challenges the couple's morality and survival instincts.
Straw Dogs received generally negative reviews from critics, with an approval rating of 26% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted its graphic violence and lack of psychological depth compared to the original film. The film sparked controversy regarding its portrayal of Southern culture and themes of misogyny and violence in cinema.
Production for the film began in 2009 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Director Rod Lurie aimed to update the story for contemporary audiences while exploring themes of masculinity and violence. Despite its ambitious intentions, Straw Dogs was criticized for failing to justify its existence as a remake.