Lady of the Damned Forest

As a person who love classic horror, Dude, I've read some really childish comments on here. People seriously don't understand how movies are made. Although I don't know why that doesn't surprise me lately coming from the modern audience.

Well I love this! It's dark but sexy at the same time. It has exactly the approach of 80's fantasy movies, with emotional dialogues that even turns naive in some circumstances. Look at the case of Labyrinth (1986) and its dialogues, to give you an example. I'm used to seeing that in many movies, though. I don't know why that might surprise you. So the cast of actors for me fits perfectly. As for Mr. Karja who not only acts, he also has a lot of physical acting I can't think of any other actor who would do a better job. A tough character who must face extreme situations. I like that approach.

A very small but very ambitious production. Perhaps too ambitious to be his first film. Six and a half stars from here.... Keep creating and growing.

The 'young' guys chasing the woman are wearing trainers the 'young' woman is 30 if she's a day, the campers are pretty old too.

Either don't mention age or get people the correct age.

I like a horror film but I couldn't sit through this it's dreadful, I don't mind if the production values are low if it's well made, but this was taking suspension of belief further than Usain Bolt can run in two hours. One star is too many but I can't warn you about it then can I.

Watch something else, I don't care about subtitles or different languages but I do care if it's crap, which it is, I wholeheartedly recommend the blacksmith and the devil on Netflix.

Poor acting, poor storyline, one should avoid this.

This Spanish horror film, which goes by its Spanish title 'La Dama del Bosque Maldito' on Netflix, has a fairly familiar premise. Three couples head into the wilderness, in order to get to their destination they must pass through a forest. Bad things will happen.

On their first night they set up camp and one of the women tells a story. A long time ago there was a peasant village in the woods; one day a group of men forced themselves on a young woman. She got away from them but died after tumbling over a cliff. So the story goes her assailants were turned into animals and her vengeful spirit punishes any man who enters her domain. Inevitably thing start going badly for the hikers.

'Danger in the Woods' can be considered a horror genre in its own right; the threat may be animal, human, something unseen or something supernatural... here it is the last of these options. The central story is decent enough but could have been improved with better dialogue. Things get off to a good start; we even get some nice scenery as a bonus. Unfortunately once things start going bad for the characters the film goes downhill fast; the special effects are distinctly bargain basement and detract from the story. The acting isn't the best although given what they are being asked to perform in one can't be too harsh. Overall this is far from a must see unless you are a connoisseur of cheesy, low-budget horror.

These comments are based on watching the film in Spanish with English subtitles.

"Lady of the Damned Forest" (2017) is an intriguing approach on the horror genre that plays with folklore and psychological tension. Directed by talented filmmaker George Karja, the movie intertwines elements of myth with personal horror, creating a rich tapestry that explores not only the physical fears brought on by a disturbed environment but also the emotional struggles of its characters.

The plot follows a group of friends venturing into an ominous forest known for its dark past and haunting tales. The atmosphere is heavy with foreboding, drawing the audience into the eerie beauty of the natural surroundings, which serves as both a character and a catalyst in the story. I found myself feeling a mixture of unease and fascination as the cinematography captures both the lush greenery and the suffocating shadows that lurk around every corner. The forest becomes a labyrinth of fear and desire, a reflection of its characters' inner turmoil.

The themes of guilt, loss, and the burden of the past resonate deeply throughout the film. Each character carries their own traumas, which the forest seems to exploit mercilessly. This reflective element might evoke a sense of empathy, drawing viewers into their depths of despair and ultimately, their confrontations with both the supernatural and their own demons. While the film sometimes strays into archetypal territory, it manages to deliver emotional arcs that feel genuine and, at times, harrowing.

Acting-wise, the cast performs commendably; their interactions feel authentic, and their fear appears palpable. The primary characters are fleshed out well enough to warrant investment in their fates, even if some could have benefited from deeper development. The struggles they face against the eerie happenings are intensified by subtle yet powerful performances that ground the horror in reality.

However, while the direction is skillful in crafting an immersive and frightening atmosphere, there are moments when the pacing feels uneven. Certain tensions build beautifully, only to dissipate a bit too quickly without reaching their full potential. This can affect the overall impact, leaving the audience craving a more profound satisfaction.

The score complements the film splendidly, weaving in and out of scenes with haunting melodies that deepen the emotional stakes and create jump-scare moments effectively. It echoes the themes of the forest, with notes that linger like the whispers of the damned.

Take "damned" as divine punishment and you will understand the heart of the film. It refers to the state of being condemned to hell or eternal punishment as a result of one's sins or actions against divine law. In this context, it implies a final judgment by a higher power where an individual is deemed unworthy of salvation.

In examining "Lady of the Damned Forest," what struck me the most was its meditation on the entanglements of guilt and the haunting nature of our past choices. I left feeling unsettled, pondering how the shadows of our own lives may just be lurking in the forgotten corners of our minds, waiting for a chance to rise and be confronted.

While the film has its flaws, it achieves a commendable level of atmospheric horror that speaks to both the heart and the mind. In the end, "Lady of the Damned Forest" is not just a tale of supernatural fear; it serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most frightening entities lie within ourselves.