Summary of "Cujo"

Introduction

Setting: Begins with a serene countryside scene.
Main Character: A large Saint Bernard dog named Cujo.
Inciting Incident: Cujo chases a rabbit and is bitten by a bat in a tree hollow, contracting rabies.
Development: The rabies infection transforms Cujo into a monstrous creature, leading to several deaths in the community.

Animal Horror: The film follows the classic 'killer animal' horror trope.
Mother's Desperation: A significant aspect of the climax is a mother (Dee Wallace) fiercely trying to protect her young son from Cujo.

Rabies in Bats: The film is interesting from a microbiological standpoint, emphasizing how bats are natural reservoirs of the rabies virus (RABV).
Low Incidence but High Risk: Though the incidence of rabid bats is low (about 6% in the U.S.), their bites can lead to rare but serious rabies cases in humans.
Rabies Variants: Different strains of the rabies virus, like the European EBLV1, are mentioned, highlighting geographical variations in rabies infections.

Use of Animals: Multiple dogs (including a Rottweiler) and a mechanical head were used to portray Cujo.
Filming Techniques: Creative methods, like hiding toys in a car to prompt the dogs' aggressive actions, were used for filming.
Making Rabies Symptoms Realistic: The foam and drool around Cujo's mouth were made with egg whites and sugar, making it appealing for the dogs.

Overall Reception: The film is presented as a simple, engaging watch with a blend of horror and microbiological intrigue.