This film wasn’t even on my radar until my podcasting partner Matt Wall brought it to my attention, but I’m really glad he did. Had the film been released after 1970 it might not be on anyone’s list of Gialli, but in 1968 filmmakers were still trying to derive a formula for success within the genre; throwing the proverbial spaghetti at the wall to see how much would stick!

For Italians, and those who aren’t obsessed with the Argento-inspired film movement of the 1970s, the term “giallo” is broadly used as a way to describe a mystery, and Hyena definitely falls into that category. Murders to happen, but there isn’t a single character mastermind and no real investigation into solving the mystery. Instead, the audience is simply asked to watch as the events unfold. As a result, the film only racks up 50 points on The Giallo Score, not the lowest by any means, but definitely at the bottom of the list for films from this period.

But what’s most remarkable about Hyena is how a cast and crew of virtually unknowns were able to create an entertaining film with an intriguing plot, enjoyable acting, and plenty of artistic visuals. Sure it’s a little on the campy side, but most Giallo fans expect a certain level of absurdity from most films of this period. 

From a historical standpoint, Hyena is an interesting footnote in the trajectory of the genre during a time when Lenzi, Gestaldi, and Martino were just starting to propel it forward. The film will never make anyone’s top ten (or even top twenty) list of favorite Gialli, but it’s definitely worth a look.