Navigating Trauma in the Great Outdoors

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MOVIE REVIEW
Stranger in the Woods
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): Adam Newacheck
Writer(s): Holly Kenney
Cast: Holly Kenney, Brendin Brown, Teddy Spencer, Paris Nicole, Devon Deshaun, Stewart Radek Antczak
Where To Watch: coming to VOD on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: STRANGER IN THE WOODS dives a little deeper than just your standard trip to a remote cabin; it's an exploration into a whirlpool of chaos, survival, and the psychological battles that come with it. Holly Kenney, who writes and stars as the lead, Olivia, offers us a front-row seat to the turmoil that ensues when a supposed sanctuary turns into a fight for survival. This film strikes a chord, blending familiar thriller tropes with a fresh exploration of personal demons and the eternal struggle between darkness and light. It takes your expectations and rips a hole through their core.

Adam Newacheck carves out a space in the thriller genre, delivering chills and a poignant commentary on empowerment and the intricate web of human connections. With rich storytelling, constant suspense, and introspection, it challenges us to face our fears, making a narrative as provocative as it is thrilling. While the film is indie, it often reaches above in its palpable tension on screen. You don’t just watch Olivia’s struggles and battles; you face them with her, understanding her as she traverses this journey.

The cast ensemble brings a dynamic energy that heightens the film's tension, with each character offering something to the larger plot. The vanishing of Olivia's therapy dog, Koda, catalyzes a riveting unraveling of trust, pushing the boundaries of the group's loyalty and sanity. I won’t lie; I’m a dog lover, so this scene got me good. Usually, a moment like that spells disaster, and I was unprepared for that narrative thread's outcome!

Kenney delivers a compelling portrayal of Olivia, balancing vulnerability with a fierce will to survive and the strength to overcome no matter the odds; from the first scene, her strength is visible on screen. The film's storytelling complements her journey, immersing the audience in a suspenseful, engaging, and evocative atmosphere.

This film breaks the mold of conventional thrillers, offering viewers a gripping tale of trauma, resilience, and the healing journey of confronting one's deepest fears. Ultimately, the film succeeds because it doesn’t put its reliance on being the standard cabin in the woods story. It makes its core about Olivia and her existence within the world. Throwing her into the cabin in the woods story amplifies her battles and gives the audience an anxiety-inducing thriller on top of it.

STRANGER IN THE WOODS presents a mix of survival, betrayal, and the quest for inner peace amidst external chaos. Its suspenseful twists, profound character arcs, and thematic depth are commendable additions to the thriller genre. Despite a few narrative hiccups, the film's compelling exploration of human psychology and spirit shines through. The film will keep you guessing, and while you may hit a point or two, the predictability doesn’t take away from the overall suspense of the experience.

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[photo courtesy of RED HOUND ENTERTAINMENT, BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT]

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