Rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic content and images.
Starring Natalie Dormer and Taylor Kinney
Directed by Jason Zada
A literal forest is scarier than this film.
Rising with terrifying grandeur at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan, the legendary real-life Aokigahara Forest is the suspense-filled setting of the supernatural thriller. A young American woman, Sara (Natalie Dormer), journeys there in search of her twin sister, who has mysteriously disappeared. In the company of expatriate Aiden (Taylor Kinney), Sara enters the forest having been well warned to “stay on the path.” Determined to discover the truth about her sister’s fate, Sara will have to face the angry and tormented souls of the dead that prey on anyone who dares come near them. These malevolent spirits lying in wait for Sara at every turn will plunge her into a frightening darkness from which she must fight to save herself.
The Forest is a lame horror movie, and I’m not just saying that because I think most horror films are lame. This one has very little working in it. I will say that it features a strong performance by Natalie Dormer, but that’s about it.
Although the premise is promising – the young American Sara searches for her missing twin sister in a forest at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan, popular as a suicide spot – the delivery quickly falls apart.
There are a few jump scenes and a certain level of creepiness, but the story becomes incoherent and cliché.
This is director Jason Zada’s first feature film and his inexperience really showed. I think he tried too hard to shock the audience instead of constructing a strong, scary story.
The only thing scary for me was the time I wasted watching it…it’s a “Coaster.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are three S-words and a few other mild obscenities.
The film contains several scenes that involve spirits, supernatural occurrences and hallucinations.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
- Why is Sara willing to spend the night in such a scary forest?
- How did Sara show courage and love?
- How can you show courage and love this week in your school?
Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.