Jenn Wexler’s The Ranger gets novelization

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Odds are if you're a fan of independent genre films, you've probably come into contact with Jenn Wexler's work at one point or another. A longtime fan of horror, Wexler began her career as a producer for Glass Eye Pix, where she oversaw such projects as Mickey Keating's DARLING, Robert Mockler's LIKE ME, Ana Asensio's MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND, and Larry Fessenden's "N is for Nexus" segment in ABCS OF DEATH 2. From there, Wexler transitioned into directing, helming her very first feature film titled THE RANGER which quickly became a festival favorite, premiering at Austin's SXSW before going on to play at such popular conventions as the Overlook Film Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival, FrightFest, the Morbido Film Fest, and the Toronto After Dark Film Festival.

THE RANGER is set to debut on Shudder's streaming service on May 9th, 2019, but if that's just too far away to wait, do not fret! A novelization of THE RANGER has just become available for purchase. Based on the screenplay by Wexler and Giaco Furino and written by Ed Kurtz, the 197 page book comes complete with some wicked cool cover art courtesy of Dyer Wilk, giving it some very old school R.L. Stine meets Lisa Frank vibes. 

Here's the official logline for the novel: "After a run-in with the cops at a punk show goes sideways, Chelsea and her pals flee the city in search of a place to lay low. Running to the security of Chelsea’s old, abandoned family cabin in the woods, they fall under the watchful eye of an overzealous park ranger who holds a secret from Chelsea’s past."

As a huge fan of the film, I will definitely wind up buying a copy of the book, and I highly recommend any fan of horror do the same. Upon watching the film for the very first time, I was struck by how original the premise felt, while at the same time seemingly filling in a large gaping hole that was missing from the genre. How is it possible that this is the first slasher film I can remember seeing that pits punks against a park ranger? How has nobody made a movie like this before? How can a movie that so effectively demonstrates the ripple effects of grief also simultaneously deliver a spirited soundtrack that fills every moment with suspense and undeterred joy? THE RANGER is a gift to say the least, and the fact that a newly released novel has given the world more material to chew on is a blessing.

Be sure to purchase your very own copy of THE RANGER novelization via the link here, and keep your eyes on up-and-coming director Jenn Wexler — she is one to watch.

Source: Haverhill House

About the Author

190 Articles Published