Director: Darren Lynn Bousman
Starring: Stephen Moyer, Mia Kirshner, Allie MacDonald, Peter DaCunha, David Keeley, Erik Knudsen, J. LaRose, Shamier Anderson, Max Topplin, Michael Copeman, Shawn Ashmore
Running Time: 94 Minutes
Certificate: 15
The woods have never been a fun place in the world of film, so quite why we often see such camping trips as the solution to family problems is beyond me. I suppose getting in touch with nature away from the civilised world and modern distractions is what lures so many unsuspecting groups into the cold and miserable wilderness, where large looming trees block out the sun, making everything constantly grim. But what about the murders, monsters, and general threat of death? Swings and roundabouts.
In DEVIL IN THE WOODS (or THE BARRENS in the US), Stephen Moyer plays Richard Vineyard, who takes to the woods with second wife (Kirshner), daughter from first marriage (MacDonald), and son from current marriage (DaCunha). As the relationships are set-up there’s nothing new to see, with the daughter caught in an endless circle of eye-rolling towards her father’s wife. Thankfully, once we’re out in the woods, things take a dramatic turn, as talk of the Jersey Devil and campfire tales signal the start of Richard’s descent into madness, or it is it madness. The film does a great job at making you guess and flip-flop between believing and not.
Moyer gives a very strong performance as the caring father who gradually loses his way. The film certainly evokes memories of THE SHINING and THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, however Moyer’s performance, dare I say it, tops Nicholson’s in many respects because let’s be honest, Nicholson seems crazy all the time. There’s a delicate balance to Moyer’s interpretation of madness and Kirshner plays off well against him. She isn’t just the screamy maternal figure, but a proactive and strong woman that is forced into a role of protecting the children from their own father, while also trying to get him help.
Bousman builds tension very well, but its his ability to get to the centre of these characters that constantly shines through. The film’s ability to engage is most impressive here, as the cinematography is very grainy and cheap looking, while the editing of flashbacks, dream sequences, and mental breakdowns is a bit too chaotic. I understand the intent of trying to represent the protagonists fractured mind, but with thecamera never staying still in such scenes and quick cuts usually left for music videos, it comes across as trying too hard to disguise the shortcomings of the budget.
These points never ruin the film though, and the use of creepy pratical effects, even when not looking totally realistic, adds a grim and gothic tone to the entire product. The Devil itself, real or not, looks incredible in every (admittedly brief) shot it’s in. Wonderfully detailed with unearthly movements, it will have people clicking the pause button and going through scenes step by step. A film that balances drama and horror very well, giving us characters we care for and mystery that gradually unfolds.
[usr=4]DEVIL IN THE WOODS is released on DVD on 3rd March via Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment.
