Being stranded in the woods is one thing, but adding to that being hunted by a monster kind of escalates the situation.
We meet Joy in the cold open of Dark Nature, and instantly get the vibe she is trapped in an abusive relationship. Safe to say this film doesn’t mess about and will have you gasping within the first 10 minutes.
Fast-forward 6 months later and Joy has decided to be part of a recovery retreat for abused women. All of the women we meet in this group have some sort of PTSD, and you’d think being isolated in the woods may not be the best course of treatment, but there we are.
It also probably doesn’t help that their doctor talks of a folktale and a monster who requires offerings to satisfy its bloodlust.
Dark Nature does take its time to shift gear but once it gets going this becomes a brutal, survival horror with an incredible monster design. Seriously, this is one of the best practical monsters you will see on screen all year.
While some of the twists can be telegraphed and characters make bad decisions for the right reasons; the conclusion of Dark Nature is fairly linear.
It’s a rough ride, but scrapes above the mediocrity line thanks to its villain.
Dark Nature screens as part of Grimmfest 2022.
Bloody Flicks 