This is a completely irreplicable film, despite many trying to replicate the experience over the years. Its story [three film students investigating a murderous local legend] taps into deeply primal fears: being lost, being spied on, preyed upon, hunted. Some horror movies don’t show you everything — such as the monster, etc. — with the argument that the viewer’s imagination is more powerful than anything on-screen. Has any movie done it better?
The scariest moment in this movie is when the characters run from their tent and one repeatedly screams, “What the f— is that?” as they run into full, pitch-black darkness. In that moment, either version — whether she’s seeing actually seeing something or is losing her mind — is equally distressing. No matter what she’s experiencing, it’s really upsetting.
Screaming and running into the void. That’s what the movie feels like: Staring into a void.
It gives me chills just talking about it.
Available for rent on most major streaming services.
