Redwood (2017)

Redwood (2017): A Chilling Tale Set Amidst Ancient Giants

Introduction

In the vast genre of horror cinema, every so often a film emerges that tries to weave suspense and terror with a unique setting and narrative. "Redwood" (2017) is one such entry, presenting a chilling horror story set against the backdrop of the towering and haunting Redwood forests of California. Directed by Mike Beckingham and featuring a strong lead performance by Tatjana Nardone, this film oozes the eerie atmosphere that fans of horror movies seek.

Plot Summary

The movie "Redwood" centers around a young woman who retreats to the majestic yet foreboding Redwood forest to seek solace and healing after a traumatic experience. What seems like a peaceful getaway soon turns into a terrifying struggle for survival when supernatural forces lurking within the woods begin to torment her. The narrative cleverly weaves between psychological thriller elements and supernatural horror, plunging viewers into a state of heightened suspense.

As the story unfolds, the protagonist’s encounters with inexplicable occurrences reveal the forest’s dark past. Historical secrets intertwined with local legends come to life, gradually explaining the sinister presence haunting the redwoods. The motion picture effectively uses the dense forest's isolation and natural beauty to amplify the feeling of fear and helplessness, a common trope in horror movies but executed here with a fresh perspective.

Director and Writing

Mike Beckingham directed and wrote "Redwood," showcasing his adeptness at genre filmmaking. Beckingham’s style is notable for its atmospheric tension and character-driven storytelling. His direction ensures that the setting isn’t just a place but feels like an encompassing character itself—mysterious, overwhelming, and unrelenting.

The script balances exposition and suspense, revealing enough to maintain interest without giving away the underlying mystery too soon. Beckingham’s ability to craft a compact narrative in the horror genre is apparent, managing to keep the audience engaged throughout the film's runtime.

Main Actors and Performances

Tatjana Nardone plays the lead role in "Redwood." Her portrayal of a woman grappling with trauma and terrified by supernatural forces is convincing and emotionally resonant. Nardone delivers a nuanced performance that grounds the film's more fantastical elements in human emotion, making her character relatable and compelling.

The cast, although not large, collectively adds to the film's eerie ambiance. The lesser-known actors contribute effectively, with their performances emphasizing the isolation and tension that the plot demands. This small, focused ensemble helps maintain an intimate and claustrophobic atmosphere which benefits a horror narrative greatly.

Visual and Sound Design

Standing out in "Redwood" is the cinematography, which beautifully captures the towering presence of the redwood trees, creating a stark contrast between natural beauty and horror. Dark shadows and muted lighting are used skillfully to enhance the film’s unsettling tone. The forest is depicted with a haunting majesty—its silence and whispers contributing to the suspense.

Reception and Genre Placement

As a horror movie released in 2017, "Redwood" may not have soared at the box office compared to mainstream Hollywood blockbusters, but it found an appreciative audience among horror enthusiasts who enjoy atmospheric and psychological thrills. Its indie nature allows it to experiment more freely with narrative and mood rather than relying on jump scares or gore.

The film belongs squarely in the horror genre with a distinct focus on psychological terror layered with supernatural elements. It contributes to the tradition of horror films that use nature and wilderness as metaphors for the unknown and the primal fear within human beings.

Conclusion

"Redwood" (2017) is a haunting horror film that combines the mystique of a legendary forest with an intimate survival story. Thanks to Mike Beckingham’s direction and Tatjana Nardone’s heartfelt performance, the movie manages to create a chilling atmosphere that will appeal to fans of atmospheric and supernatural horror.

Set apart by its setting and thoughtful approach to a classic horror tale, "Redwood" invites viewers to confront the terrifying unknown lurking within nature’s grandest trees. For horror aficionados looking for a film that privileges mood and character over cheap scares, "Redwood" represents a worthwhile watch.

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