Dark Nature (2022)
Directed by: Berkley Brady
Written by: Berkley Brady, Tim Cairo
Starring: Daniel Arnold, Hannah Emily Anderson, Helen Belay, Kyra Harper, Madison Walsh, Roseanne Supernault
DARK NATURE (2022)
Written and Directed by Berkley Brady
Screened at Grimmfest 2022
After getting out of an abusive relationship, Joy is invited by her friend Carmen to join her on a weekend retreat in the Canadian rockies with Dr Dunnley who runs a therapy group for women dealing with trauma. Along with fellow members Shaina and Tara, the group hike through the picturesque mountains but Joy can’t help but suspect they are being followed by someone or something…
The movie showcases some spectacular scenery to show just how small and vulnerable the group are to the great outdoors in Berkley Brady’s horror thriller DARK NATURE. Though it’s not so much the hazards of nature they have to deal with, but to confront their own fears and perhaps something else that’s stalking them throughout their journey.
Though mainly centred around Joy and her problems, we see a group of very different women tackle their personal obstacles in the hopes to overcome them, but it seems even some of the more experienced amongst the group haven’t quite left their troubles behind.
DARK NATURE does well to set the scene for our main character with a pretty intense opener. It’s no surprise her friend Carmen is eager to help her out though I’m not sure how hiking a demanding trail will sort out her problems. What Joy goes through is terrifying and the trauma of that seems to live on, as does the trauma experienced by other members in the group. However, it appears Joy’s problems are more recent than the others and she’s still having trouble coming to terms with almost being killed by her partner, Derek. Despite their best intentions, it doesn’t feel that Dr Dunnley’s therapy group is going to help much. With every twig snap and whisper of a footstep, paranoia begins to creep in, then the nightmares begin.
POV shots and noises in the woods are used to great effect to give the impression that the women are being watched, but the identity of the stalker is held back to the final third. It’s nothing that any horror fan hasn’t seen before, but this particular effort feels more natural and in keeping with the setting the film finds itself in. Brady teases the mystery out for as long as possible, keeping the tension high and providing moments for the fear to heighten and be taken to another level. When pieces are starting to come together, that’s when the movie slightly changes direction, as the movie adds the element of fighting more than just their fears. It becomes a fight for survival.
As an outdoor horror thriller shot in the wilderness, DARK NATURE utilises its location to great effect. The intensity is notched up when needed and there’s a real sense of panic that is felt by the viewer when we see the characters in dire straits. It feels well-paced to play the scares at just the right time with never a dull moment. Although the big bad reveal isn’t anything new, the film manages to retain an ace up its sleeve.
With some brilliantly heightened moments that will put you on high alert, backed by terrific performances from the entire cast, DARK NATURE will make you think twice about heading on a hike in the middle of nowhere.
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