The Forest

"The Forest" is a psychological horror film from 2016 starring Natalie Dormer, Eoin Macken, and Stephanie Vogt. The movie is set in Aokigahara, a forest in Japan that has a reputation as a site for suicides. Dormer plays Sara Price, a young American who travels to Japan to look for her twin sister Jess, who has gone missing in the forest.

Upon arriving in Japan, Sara meets a journalist named Aiden (Macken), who offers to help her find Jess. Despite warnings from the locals and signs at the entrance of the forest emphasizing the dangers of venturing off the trails, Sara and Aiden venture deep into the forest in search of Jess.

As they navigate through the forest, the two begin to experience strange and unsettling phenomena, such as hearing voices and witnessing unusual sights. Sara eventually discovers a tent that she believes belongs to Jess and searches for her sister, while Aiden stays behind to set up camp for the night.

As night falls, Sara becomes increasingly disturbed by the eerie sounds surrounding her, and she begins to question whether what she is experiencing is real or a figment of her imagination. She encounters various people and visions that play with her mind, and she becomes more and more desperate to find Jess and get out of the forest alive.

The film's central theme is the power of the mind and the way one's fears and anxieties can manifest themselves in reality. As Sara's mental state deteriorates, it becomes harder for her to discern what is real and what is not, and the audience is left wondering along with her.

"The Forest" is a well-executed horror film that manages to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It builds tension slowly but surely, designing a creepy atmosphere that sticks with the audience. The film's use of color and sound is particularly effective, as it creates a visual and aural environment that contributes to the unsettling feeling of the movie.

Natalie Dormer's performance as Sara carries the movie successfully. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with her inner demons and her surroundings is compelling, and her acting helps to anchor the psychological horror of the film. Eoin Macken also turns in a solid performance as Aiden, who adds an element of mystery to the story.

Overall, "The Forest" is a solid horror film that is both atmospheric and unnerving. It effectively uses its setting to its advantage, creating a sense of isolation and helplessness that will leave audiences feeling uneasy long after the movie is over.