Welcome to Hayes Hudson's House of Horror (4H)

Your online source for Horror news, info, and reviews. I cover new and classic Horror, as well as Exploitation and Cult films. I also discuss books, comics, games, toys, clothing, etc, as long as it pertains to the Horror genre. My movie reviews are short and to the point, as I know when I come across a long review, I tend to skip that one. I hope you enjoy your time at my House of Horror! Come on in!

Friday, April 4, 2025

Movie Review: THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES (2025)

 

THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES
Written by:  Charlie Brady & Jason Pitts
Directed by:  Jason Pitts

  Last night, I had the privilege of attending a screening of a new horror feature that was filmed locally here in Northwest Arkansas.   I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting this film to be as good as it was.   Northwest Arkansas actually has quite a large local movie scene,  but we all know how low budget local films can be.   I am happy to say that this did not feel like a low budget film at all.   The movie played out like a much bigger and expensive film than it was.  Local actors and crew came together to film a very interesting and fun horror film!    Here is the basic plot from the Lucid Pictures website:

  Chloe and her step dad, Ken are dealing with the disappearance of Kathy, Chloe’s mother and Ken’s wife. After a painful year, and with the help of Chloe’s friend Ava, they investigate a clue that leads them on a collision course with a dangerous demonic cult. Will they find Kathy? Can Chloe, Ken, and Ava survive the night?

  
 One of the main things I noticed about this film was the acting.  A lot of local films can have everything going for them, but some bad acting can ruin the entire film.   This film was not at risk of that, though, as the acting in this film was top notch.  There was not a bad actor in this film, everyone did a remarkable job!  One role I have to point out was the part of Julian, played by actor Scott Doss.  Mr. Doss was at the screening I attended and I had the pleasure of meeting him.  He was a very kind, soft spoken man which was the exact opposite of his character in this film!  He played the creepy guy character to perfection!  The main character of Chloe was played by Annie Sullivan who also did a remarkable job and is definitely worth a mention.  I could just list everyone in this film, because like I stated before, the entire cast was excellent.
 

   Another thing that can make or break a horror movie is the special effects.   This film did a wonderful job with the effects, a lot of which were practical effects.  There was some CG in this film, but it blended very well most of the time.  There were a few spots where it was very clearly CG, but that is expected with any low budget film.   One practical effect that really stood out to me was a beheading.  This was done so well and was so seamless that it was very realistic!   

 This film had a nice plot twist in it as well, and as we have learned with most horror films, don't trust anyone!  That's all I'll say about that as to not give too much away!  Overall, Director Jason Pitts delivers a home run for his first full length feature film!   


  THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES is an original, highly entertaining trip through the world of secret societies and cults, and does an excellent job creating a very creepy atmosphere where all is not what is seems!  

 The film was recently picked up for distribution from Bayview Entertainment, so keep an eye out for screenings near you,  and I assume an eventual DVD or Blu-ray release!   I'll make a new post once I have more info on that!