Lost Gully Road

Heading out into the wilderness, a battered woman retreats to a remote cabin in the woods under the instruction of a friend to escape the torment of her abusive ex, but the longer she stays there, the more convinced she gets that someone or something might be inside the cabin with her.

This one turned out to be a solid enough indie effort. Among the better features here is the engrossing and engaging setup that makes this quite fun to get going. Knowing little about the truth behind her being there at the cabin but given enough context and elves through her interactions with the caretaker or those who she runs into along the way that it spells out the truth about her purpose there which is a great way to build up our sympathy towards her. As a bonus, that also plays a part in the genuine tension and thrills that emerge the longer she's there as it paints a potentially obvious explanation for what's going on with her frazzled and vulnerable state being the cause of her to run wild with an untrustworthy imagination causing everything to happen. That leads nicely into the film's intriguing series of psychologically-driven haunting scenes. As this all plays with the idea of whether or not the building is haunted or if it's just in her head, the constant influx of voices and whispers she hears around the cabin, whether it's the voices calling out while she's cleaning up, restocking items, and trying to hide out. The longer she's there through contrivance by putting the hiding plan through it's courses, the more these elements start playing with her desire to leave and the increase in supernatural activity which combine into a thrilling finale where the truth is finally revealed about the haunting in the cabin that features some chilling moments throughout here. Overall, these factors manage to hold this one up for the most part. There are a few issues to be had with this one. One of the main drawbacks is the sluggish and lethargic pace that takes quite a while before anything ends up happening as the main drama on display comes at the expense of genre trills. Keeping her isolated at the cabin, where the majority of the interactions with others is limited to phone-call updates on the situation that sent her there and the uncertainty over it being real or in her had all meant that very little happens for a large part of the film that can make this seem somewhat boring. That also highlights the other issue here in its low-budget origins are often highlighted with the scaled-down production, lack of extravagant sets or effects, and a generally underwhelming scale that some might find problematic, which all hold this down.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Language and Violence.

Lucy (Adele Perovic) drives up to a house located in bush land and we soon learn that she has plans to wait at the house on her own as she will be meeting up with her sister. She kills time by inspecting the house and investigating the general atmosphere that surrounds her. Lucy and her sister seem to have something planned which is slightly vague but to top it off, something or someone is lurking around Lucy IN OR AND? the house...is it a person? A ghost? Or something worse?

Lost Gully Road is a fairly basic film with a super small cast. Some audiences might be surprised to see the film isn't always dialogue heavy. Instead, we are given some pretty creative shots which ate designed to give the audience a true idea of the atmosphere that surrounds Lucy and the fact that something bad is brewing...

One element I rather enjoyed was the film's audio track/sound effects. At multiple times the film gives the vibe of exactly what Lucy sees and hears. My Surround speakers were loaded with birds flying around, noises in the house, car engines rumbling and the list goes on. The suspense delivered in both audio and visual can't be denied, nor can the creativity of both of these elements. I also enjoyed seeing the film show a few good shots that truly show off the goods that is Australia!

As a plot, the film is slightly vague and the overall enjoyment will be up to the individual. If you're the type of movie lover who enjoys lots of plot and fast paced activity, you may find Lost Gully Road a slightly "slow burn" in regards to the plot department. Lost Gully Road doesn't tell its story in a rush but more so takes its time to build up the suspense which I personally enjoyed. As a thriller I found this film aimed for something above the standard creepy (or slasher) horror film. The look of the film is B grade, but sure, not every film needs an outrageous budget to tell its story. Lost Gully Road made me feel like I was watching a midday film or a TV episode. No matter what you think of the film, as it progresses, viewers will be become more curious to know what the threat is that Lucy encounters while waiting for her sister in this house.

Overall, this is a creative Australian film delivering a thriller with a basic plot and small cast. Lost Gully Road is to be enjoyed at a smooth, slow pace which only builds tension and the viewer's curiosity. It's different, it's creative and there's something to admire here based on the filming style alone. The film's audio track was also fun, showing off the suspense and bit of the fun that is the nature of Australia.

5.7/10 Walkden Entertainment

I have been patient for 45 minutes into this movie. There has been nothing suspenseful, no sense of impending anything (bad, good or amusing.) The main character, Lucy, needs to develop some real interests because all she can seem to do is be bored and annoyed that there isn't a television. What I wouldn't give for a week where she is, quiet and peaceful, ghost or no ghost. I've watched this far in hopes that maybe there is a subplot involving the sister and why Lucy is hiding in the woods. Is the 'man' they keep discussing, Lucy's partner but Cassie is cheating with him while trying to convince Lucy that he is dangerous to her? Maybe Cassie and the man are trying to make Lucy think she's crazy? I don't know and at this point I don't even care. Lame, boring, and annoying.

I had to stop half way through this sleeper (as in puts you to sleep) to take a nap. Between the character and the "action" it was to be expected. So some strange things happen, but taking into account it's after she takes an pill, and another and another from the same bottle, I'm taking bets that she's just having a high. I can't even imagine how some people gave this movie 10 stars, I must have been dreaming this disaster. Maybe Casper (or what ever name) waited until I was gone to turn this into a 10 star movie. I gave it a two because the view was stunning and the kangaroo was cute.

Urban dweller Lucy is waiting for her sister in a rented secluded cottage in the Rain Forest. Her sister's arrival is delayed and a week in paradise progressively turns out to be a week in hell as she encounters a series of symbolic objects and happenings playing with her nerves and putting her on edge. Is the house haunted? Is she being stalked? Is she deranged and everything only happens in her mind? What is revealed toward the end of this gripping movie is guaranteed to curdle your blood... The allusion to the Little Red Riding Hood in the woods of deep greens is beautifully photographed by László Baranyai and so are the indoor scenes with great use of lighting and clair-obscur. The music composed and performed by Dave Graney & Clare Moore gives at times a clear insight into Lucy's feelings and psyche and other times builds up the suspense and anxiety. Lucy is portrayed with faultless humanity by Adele Perovic. The script by Donna McRae and Michel Vale is minimalist in form but very dense in content. As in Johnny Ghost, Donna McRae's direction is inspired. Sensitive yet firm, she seems to play with the audience, making one feels as isolated, lonely and vulnerable as Lucy. Lucy getting high on pills and champagne for her lonely birthday is shown in a psychedelic style that reminded me of French horror classics of the 70s like Jean Rollin or Joël Sierra. The suspense, isolation and maddening angst are a strong reminder of The Tenant by Roman Polanski.