Into the Forest is a somewhat depressing but very well acted drama, with the apocalyptical aspect being a catalyst rather than central plot, and specifically Ellen Page was fantastic. Now, this is not for everybody especially if you’re expecting a thriller and it is slowly paced, but if you’re patient and enjoy character studies, this is worth at least a rental.
Into the Forest
(2016)
Genre(s): Drama
Lionsgate | R – 102 min. – $24.99 | October 4, 2016
Date Published: 10/10/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 3.5/5 |
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Note: This review contains some MAJOR SPOILERS. Plot Synopsis: Set in the near future, this apocalyptic drama follows two sisters — Nell (ELLEN PAGE) and Eva (EVAN RACHEL WOOD) — whose peaceful lives are disrupted one day by a world-wide power outage. Following their father’s (CALLUM KEITH RENNIE) tragic death, the sisters must work together in order to survive in their increasingly treacherous new world, fighting intruders, disease, loneliness, and starvation.
Quick Hit Review: After some pretty scathing reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Into the Forest, a drama based upon the best-selling novel by Jean Hegland and spearheaded for feature film by Ellen Page who produces and stars. But by the film’s end, while I hardly think it’s great nor capitalizing on its full potential, Into the Forest is still a well made, finely acted drama that is not about the how and why of the power outage, early on its mere speculation and rumor, and more a character study and the love and loyalty between sisters. I liked how neither character are particularly smart in some of their decision making just as any one of us, outside of survivalists of course, wouldn’t quite know what to do if the power went out and we’re left to fend for ourselves. The film was adapted and directed by Patricia Rozema who was an interesting choice for a film of this tone having previously helmed Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, a film geared more toward families. But here, Rozema does a fine job handling a wide range of emotions including a brutal rape and even the product of said rape, though that aspect was predictable.
In the end, if you’re expecting Into the Forest to be some apocalyptic thriller, you’ll likely be disappointed and even bored, but for myself, I found these characters compelling and for Ellen Page, she delivers a great performance, often outshining Evan Rachel Wood, though she has a few powerful scenes of her own. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.0/5 |
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This release comes with a matted slip cover and inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. The features, though, are a tad limited with an Audio Commentary by writer/director Patricia Rozema and The Making of Into the Forest (16:00; HD) featurette. Previews – Equals, The Witch, The Adderall Diaries, The Blackcoat’s Daughter, Swiss Army Man |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| Into the Forest arrives on Blu-ray distributed through Lionsgate presented in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio and given a 1080p high-definition transfer. The picture offers quite sharp and nicely defined detail and colors generally are bright even with the darker tone of the story. Skin tones appear natural looking and the transfer on the whole is clean, free of major instances of artifacts, aliasing and other flaws. |
AUDIO – 4.0/5 |
| The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is rather basic but effective enough with a movie where the bulk is dialogue-driven coming via the center speaker while ambient noises (like rainfall), as well as the haunting score by Max Richter (Morgan, Miss Sloane), makes fine usage of the front and rear channels. |
OVERALL – 3.0/5 |
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Overall, Into the Forest is a somewhat depressing but very well acted drama, with the apocalyptical aspect being a catalyst rather than central plot, and specifically Ellen Page was fantastic. Now, this is not for everybody especially if you’re expecting a thriller and it is slowly paced, but if you’re patient and enjoy character studies, this is worth at least a rental. The Blu-ray released through Lionsgate has so-so features but the video/audio transfers were both well done. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.