LOOP TRACK: MISTÉRIO NA FLORESTA

This one was a good time but didn't get all the way there for me. They did a great job with tension building and suspense without it being boring and the characters and acting were there for sure. It was lacking a bit in story... I know not everything needs to be spoon fed but I think there was a little too much left up in the air with this one.

Also the reveal was a little silly looking although not awful. It just generally felt a little undercooked, but the things that were successful here I thought they did a really nice job with. This is a slow burn for sure but I think overall worth it. 5.5 rounding down to a 5, would recommend.

Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not after you.

The adage from Joseph Heller's classic novel, Catch 22, certainly reigns true in the case of the story told in this Kiwi film from Thomas Sainsbury.

As we watch down on his luck loser, Ian, tramp through the woods, in a search for solitude.

Only to find himself linking up with a group of other hikers, who are on their way to visit the Kauri Forest.

Before paranoia turns to reality...and things take a dark turn, that leaves them fighting for their lives.

The whole thing has Ben Wheatley vibes (think, like Sightseers, or Kill List)...as it's a slow burning, darkly comic, adventure, with an explosive ending that does not disappoint.

But it's also particularly Kiwi, in the sense that it's a regionally influenced folk horror, of sorts.

For the most part...what is going on is a mystery.

However, Sainsbury manages to keep you engaged with comic interactions between the members of the group.

So, even though it's a slow burner...he never really loses you.

And fully rewards those who stick through it to the end.

Though, I don't want to give too much away and ruin it for you...

But I really enjoyed this!

So give it a shot, and see it through.

Because once the end rolls around.

I can't see you being disappointed.

I certainly wasn't.

6 out of 10.

This is a good low budget horror film that demonstrates one of my theories on the genre, that the most difficult thing is often the ending.

It's a 90 minute film, and for 70 minutes it builds tension on a typical New Zealand four or five day bush tramp, or trek. Middle aged city dweller, Ian, the protagonist, starts as a solo hiker, determined to remain so, inexperienced, unfit and with some shady immediate past that he is uncomfortable about. He seems to have undertaken the challenge to reset his mental state.

The other characters are just as well acted, hikers who are on the same route as him; Nicky, with all the gear, says he is very experienced but seems to talk the talk but makes basic errors, drinking river water as an example. Also, Austin and Danielle, a Namibian and an Australian on their honeymoon.

For anyone who has experienced the huts and trails of New Zealand, or who would be keen to, this is highly watchable, filmed with a wonderful backdrop of the native bush and capturing the nightly hit scene very well.

Thomas Sainsbury plays the part of Ian, as well as writing and directing. He does everything well, though that last twenty minutes.. I can imagine he toyed with a few different endings. I won't spoil of course, suffice to say I couldn't have possibly guessed the turn it would take.

Throughout the hike, Ian thinks someone is following them. He sees vague outlines in the trees, but the others convince him it is his own paranoia.

I didn't like the ending, but admire Sainsbury for being bold enough to carry it through. It's got to end somehow.. but the first 70 minutes was tremendous.

This was fantastic all the way through. Acting was great, suspense was perfect - actually had me a little on edge and I watch horror films almost exclusively and none of them do what this film did. There were 2-3 scenes in particular that stopped me in my tracks. TENSE. Great job with this.

I don't know why others were let down. They must never watch horror films - this was far above par for horror films with much bigger budgets. I would have paid to watch this in theaters and not be upset. Slow burn, kept things moving, and kept you guessing. Really enjoyed this!

I was shocked to see the lead was also the writer and director. I hope to see more from him.

I started this film with very few expectations. However I was absolutely hooked to it.

It's fairly subtle and you have to keep your attention to really get engrossed in the paranoia of the loner of the story, You can feel his dread throughout, his shyness, his not wanting to engage with others, who somehow seem oblivious to his needs.

Soon you are engrossed in the movement of the characters and his paranoia. What are these people's intentions? Who can you trust? Is our main character in his right mind - or is it everyone else who is out of sorts?

I really loved going along with this and got very invested quite quickly. It's pretty great, and takes a bit of a turn towards the end which was not expected.

Great film.