Last week, I had the unique and privileged opportunity to go to a film's theatrical release with friends who helped make the film. Although only in limited theaters (perhaps just one?) for one night, being there to share in the excitement makes this experience one I'll remember for a long, long time - and I haven't even told you about the film yet!
Let me introduce you to:
I was handed my ticket and after I found my seat, discovered I was sitting next to *theeee* stair maker! What are the chances! I didn't ask him how many other stair makers there were, I was just delighted beyond words for where I ended up sitting. We chatted for a while and shared little quips throughout the film. It was a fun non date in a date-like setting with a complete stranger. Hi friend!
This film opens with a grandson and grandfather hunting trip into the Pacific Northwest woods. Things go terribly wrong: there's a gaddam giant mansion-like staircase in the middle of the woods! This will be the first of many WTF's. Roll with it folks, because wait - there's more!
Fast forward to the rather typical horror movie motley crew of loveable misfits embarking on their own hiking trip into the woods. Chuckles were had, wits and embarrassments were in plenty. It was fun, and particularly very fun since I could join in laughing with the people who helped sculpt what I was watching on the big screen.
There's a particular scene that involves psychedelic mushrooms and a sleeping back sliding across the forest floor that I found both visually beautiful and terribly unnerving. I dare say this might by one of my most favorite scenes. It's so smooth but jarring, I still don't have a good place to pack this scene in my head.
HA! I just made a packing joke about a hiking movie. Yeah, that will also be funnier when you see the film...
Things spiral wildly out of control as the weird and horrible befalls our hikers, and that is when I quickly realized I need to stop asking questions and just embrace the David Lynchian ambiguity.
There's a worm baby.
A worm baby.
And that's all I'll say about that!
Seriously though, I like this quiet, nightmarish style. In fact, while getting a ride home with friends after the show, it was said how refreshing it was to see a horror film without jump scares or people crawling on the ceiling. One friend said they were so tired of jerky creatures crawling around in films that if it happened to him in real life he'd just send his cat to 'git it.
In all, it's a quirky and enjoyable film for horror fans and non horror fans alike! A film that is suspended in time and imagination. You'll tilt your head, you'll smile, laugh, and then tilt your head in the opposite direction. It's all part of this lovely movie watching experience, so shove that popcorn in your face, sit back and enjoy.
My experience with this film is unique and extremely special - which makes it that much more important and originally impressive to me. Again, it's not without my myriad of questions though. I had many but they didn't matter. Collectively, it's that part of the film that makes it so damn weird and wonderful.
Best watched in Index, WA with some of your best company, particularly if you're celebrating a major achievement. Pairs best with All Of The Foods from a theater concession stand. Beer, strong tea, and pride in what you can accomplish together.
Again, I watched this in the theater but if I eavesdropped correctly this film should be available on Amazon Prime soon.
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