Review of The Forest (2016) by Greg B — 11 Jan 2016

Sara (Natalie Dormer) senses via twin telepathy that her sister Jess (also played by Dormer) has strayed into Aokigahara (aka The Suicide Forest, so nicknamed because it's where those who are contemplating suicide go) and is in great danger. Sara, who has always been the responsible one, packs up all her stuff and travels to the forest, dead set on rescuing her sister. Aided by new friend Aiden (Taylor Kinney), what could possibly go wrong? (Answer: A LOT).

The film's story is an interesting one, and Sara's motivations are understandable. That said, the film is just not scary (I will say it's creepy though). It mostly consists of jumpscares that are easy to predict. It doesn't help that Sara is very hard to get behind as she is just incredibly dumb and makes many obvious mistakes. That said, The Forest has a great atmosphere. It makes full, proper use of it's fantastic location (although none of the film is actually filmed in Aokigahara since Japan has forbidden filming at this location.), it's very well shot (very beautiful), and indeed the story behind the setting is a very interesting one, The ending is exactly the way a film like this needs to end (I found it to be pretty clever), and elevates what is otherwise a somewhat mediocre film to "good" status.

I'll say I enjoyed my time in The Forest despite some clear flaws. I did like it, and would give it a recommendation. It definitely left me more interested in the story of Aokigahara, and has inspired me to do more research into it.