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Writer's pictureMegan Kilmer

Silver Screen Gems: Exploring Santa Cruz County's Cinematic Legacy featuring Revest!

Updated: Nov 8




Learn about movies filmed in Santa Cruz. As a real estate team based in the stunning Santa Cruz County, we have the privilege of living and working in one of the most beautiful and captivating regions in California. From the magical redwood forests to the surf paradise and beaches, Santa Cruz County offers it all with a of natural beauty. Beyond its stunning landscapes and vibrant local flavor, we have a rich cinematic history, with numerous films set against the backdrop of our coastal paradise. Spoiler alert Revest is also a film location - read to find out what feature film we turned up in!


1. "Us" (2019)

Directed by Jordan Peele, "Us" is a gripping horror-thriller that takes viewers on a chilling journey into the dark depths of the human psyche. While the film is primarily set in the fictional beach town of Santa Cruz, it was largely filmed on location throughout Santa Cruz County. From the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to the forests of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The film masterfully utilizes the region's natural beauty and showcases power of our coast and mountain paradise.


2. "Chasing Mavericks" (2012)

Inspired by the true story of legendary surfer Jay Moriarity, "Chasing Mavericks" follows the journey of a young aspiring surfer as he sets out to conquer one of the most dangerous waves in the world – the Mavericks. Filmed on location in Santa Cruz County, the movie captures the raw power and beauty of our local bay, providing viewers with an exhilarating glimpse into the world of big-wave surfing. I love how the film shows the local surf culture of Santa Cruz, and offers a captivating portrayal of the region's deep connection to the ocean and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants.


3. "The Lost Boys" (1987)

A cult classic of the horror genre, "The Lost Boys" is set in the fictional town of Santa Carla, which bears a striking resemblance to Santa Cruz, since that's where it was filmed! While the film was not shot entirely on location in Santa Cruz County, it draws heavily upon the our coastal vibes. From the iconic boardwalk scenes to the ominous cliffs overlooking the sea, "The Lost Boys" captures the essence of Santa Cruz County's mystique, immersing viewers in a world both mythical and as always reminds us to "Beware of the Locals!"

4. "Gatham" (2020) and NOW "Gatham 2" (filming NOW!)

"Gatham" is an Indian Telugu-languge thriller! This recent addition to the list of films set in Santa Cruz County has had amazing success. Directed by a local filmmaker, this indie thriller Shot on location throughout Santa Cruz County, is impossible to talk about with out giving spoilers but we can give one spoiler away - OUR OFFICE was used as a film location for the new Gatham 2 that is filming now! We are so lucky to be a part of this films journey and honored that the crew chose our location here in Santa Cruz County.


So yeah, Santa Cruz is kind of a big deal, as members of the Santa Cruz County real estate community, we're proud to call this breathtaking region home. From the boardwalk to the redwoods, and the coast, our county offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. And as the legacy of Santa Cruz County's cinematic history continues to grow, we look forward to seeing our community shine on screen, inspiring audiences around the world to experience the magic of our coastal paradise firsthand! Interested in finding your dream home in Santa Cruz? We got you!



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