“Deep Woods” Movie Review

  

 

 

“Deep Woods” 

Movie Review

Written and directed by Steve Laughlin, 'Deep Woods' stars Tony Dennison, Eddie Spears, and Jillian VanOver, with cinematography by Robb Fisher, and music scored by Peter Batchelder. The opulent chrome and glass offices of an architectural firm owned by Ty Ellsworth, played by Jillon VanOver, begin in an entirely different place. Ty contacts his college friend Nick, played by Eddie Spears, and suggests a hunting trip. Ty wants to "experience nature before it evolves," and since Nick is a Native American and a game warden, who better to go with?

In the first half hour of the film, Laughlin provides a contrast between the world we know and the rural, backwoods area where Nick lives. A tribal dance, talk of Wendigos, a run-in with some lockers at a bar, and of course, warnings from Sheriff Hayden, played by Tony Dennison, to stay on the trails once they get into the woods. We all know how impossible that is.

Nick decides to sleep and Ty goes alone. But as he follows his dog, he stumbles upon a cartel drug operation hidden in the jungle. They will do anything to hide it. Lost and on his own Ty has to find a way out of the woods, but he’s facing more threats than he knows.

Because as Enrique chases Ty through the forest, the other characters' various secrets and loyalties come into play. This gives the film a second layer of suspense as they wonder who can be trusted among the main characters, such as the trapper and Ty meets in the woods.

With a small cast and limited interior sets, it's clear that Deep Woods was shot on a shoestring budget. That precludes big guns or action set pieces. Enrique, played by Jesse Prez, is a gunman who protects the cartel, while Romina plays Rachel Cerda, who pilots a surveillance drone. It seems a little understaffed, but that's ultimately explained by a final act reveal.

Director Laughlin weaves familiar elements together to keep the story interesting. The small cast actually works in Deep Woods' favor to an extent. It's more believable that Ty can outrun a man and a drone than a small army looking for him.

He is supported by a cast of seasoned actors who deliver solid performances and help the story get through some of its weaker and more predictable moments. Deep Woods' characters aren't particularly complex, but the show keeps them from falling into dull clichés. Or in one case, from embarking on the final act. Credit goes to cinematographer Rob Fisher for making the film so effective and effective for the painful nocturnal hallucinations of the injured Ty. 

Deep Woods is a decent way to pass ninety minutes, even though the story has some interesting ideas that both questionable elements raise and then quickly abandon. Remember that this is not trying to be an action film as much as a suspense film.

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