By Warren Gordon
Staff Writer
The Aokigahara forest is known for suicides, demons, and evil spirits, whereas “The Forest” is known for the audience walking out in and boring script, the film disappoints.
After Sarah (Natalie Dormer) discovers her twin sister has disappeared into the suicide forest, she travels to Japan in hopes of finding her. After getting some help from a guy she’s met, Aiden (Taylor Kinney), he receives clearance to take her into the forest, things take a turn for the worse as strange occurrences follow Sarah, as well as the others, turning more, and more sinister, and even deadly. In a race against insanity, Sarah loses her trust for Aiden and tries to do what she believes is best in order to save her lost sister.
The acting helps destroy the potential that the film had. Dormer’s character is supposed to be a lost and vulnerable girl due to the absence of her sister. For example, while looking for her sister in the forest, Dormer was never able to successfully convey the fear and horror that she saw in the forest. Due to her inability to convince the audience, the film seems less horrific than it is supposed to be.
The film’s disappointing plot has the audience able to guess what is going to happen next. For example, when Sarah is with Aiden walking through the forest, she runs away in fear, and as the music gets louder and the screen gets darker the viewers are able to tell something bad is about to happen to her. This flaw in the film removes the horror aspect, as it takes away the scary factor.
Dialogue is supposed to enhance a film, not add to the film’s disappointment. In this film, the script helps cause the plot’s predictability, as well as not giving the acting a chance to save the film. The film’s poor script causes the film to be unsatisfying in all aspects and creates a dull and unaffected audience.
Overall the film failed to portray how deadly the forest really is. In spite of the unique plot idea, Zada was unable to create an unpredictable film that instilled fear into the audience. In addition to the predictable plot, the dull script and unenthusiastic acting added to the film’s failure.
The film is rated PG-13 and is playing nationwide.
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