I’ve always had a crush on independent films. Especially on filmmakers who make the most of very little. “Brightwood” is a great example of this ideal. Despite being quite generic in terms of its narrative bones, the production explores an unhappy marriage and has likable characters all while building up a gradual crescendo into the horror movie realm. Writer/director Dane Elcar creates an immersive experience with just a married couple and some exercise. You can run from your problems, but can you really get away if you do?
Jen, portrayed by Dana Berger, and Dan, played by Max Woertendyke, have been married for what Jen describes as a “stupid amount of time.” Jen purposefully connects to her mobile phone to listen to a podcast as Dan valiantly tries to apologize for events that happened the night before. She listens to the hosts dish the dirt on life after divorce and they head towards a lake, planning on circling around. They bicker, argue, and take selfies epitomizing the monotony of a marriage on the outs. Quickly, though, they realize, the trail they are on continuously brings them back to the same place.
You Can Run But You Can’t Hide, In Brightwood
Throughout their struggle to find an escape, tensions arise and the couple finds themselves at odds with one another. Yet, their challenges multiply when they come face to face with a group of eerie figures lurking in the shadows. This dark twist plunges the story into a mix of horror and a deeper exploration of the complexities within their relationship.
Brightwood is a captivating indie movie that takes us on an unexpected journey filled with suspense and introspection. It offers much more than just a story; it invites us to ponder and reflect upon the intricacies of love and life. As the characters navigate through the mysterious forest trails, a parallel is drawn to the unpredictable paths we encounter in our own lives.
Symbolism and Metaphors Trapped in The Forest
In the realm of symbolic horrors, the terrors on offer tend to lose their mojo after a while. Similar to a tired marathon runner. In this case, the creators decided to skip the bulky explanations and instead focus on the pivotal desperation of our characters. And it works to its advantage.
Brightwood presents a profound exploration of the disintegration of relationships. It also unveils the haunting reflections of recurring patterns and relentless apprehension of what to do when things get rocky. Brightwood is a must-watch horror and thriller movie for those who appreciate thought-provoking tales. Ones that blur the lines between what we expect and what actually eventuates. The conclusion, which can be subject to individual interpretation, exudes a profound and somber essence.
For another positive review on Brightwood, The Movie Waffler discusses more of the plot points if that’s what you’re looking for via this link. Brightwood is on US VOD and DVD from August 22nd, 2023 distributed by Cinephobia Releasing after a successful festival tour. In the USA, you can also watch Brightwood on Amazon Prime Video.
Brightwood 2023 is rated
3.75 Stuck in the woods for eternity out of 5
The Brightwood movie was viewed as a screener for review purposes and supplied by the film’s representatives. As a ghostwriter, it is my responsibility to provide honest and unbiased content to the readers. The purpose of reviewing a movie is to analyze its various aspects such as plot, acting, cinematography, and overall entertainment value.
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Brightwood Movie Trailer
