Behind the Trees is a gripping horror thriller film from 2019, directed by Brad Douglas and starring Vanessa Curry, Sahil Shroff, and Subrat Dutta. The movie tells the story of an American couple, Meg and Mark, who decides to visit India to reconnect with the spiritualism of the country. During their journey, they encounter Alex, an Indian man who is eager to help them on their quest, but as they venture deeper into the forest, they realize that Alex might not be what he seems.
The movie begins with a scenic view of the Indian countryside, where Meg and Mark drive towards a remote village nestled deep within the forest. The couple is in search of a place where they can reconnect with each other and find inner peace. However, their plans go awry as soon as they reach the village, where they encounter Alex, who claims to be a guide who can take them to the spiritual heart of India.
Meg and Mark are wary of Alex but decide to trust him, and soon they begin their journey towards the forest. As they venture further into the dense woods, the couple starts experiencing a series of eerie events that suggest they are being watched by someone or something sinister. Mark becomes increasingly paranoid, whereas Meg tries to keep a calm head.
The cinematography in Behind the Trees is stunning, making the Indian forest look both beautiful and haunting. The sound design is equally impressive, with the ambiance of the forest creating an atmosphere of dread and menace. The movie's pacing is intentionally slow, building up tension and suspense before the inevitable climax.
One of the most striking features of the movie is the performance of the lead actors. Vanessa Curry as Meg delivers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a woman who is trying to navigate a foreign land with her partner. She balances strength and vulnerability, which makes her character feel relatable and authentic. Sahil Shroff as Mark is also superb, portraying a man who is struggling with his inner demons and insecurities.
Subrat Dutta as Alex is the standout performance of the movie. Dutta's portrayal of the mysterious guide is enigmatic and unsettling. He exudes an aura of menace that keeps the audience on edge, wondering what his true intentions are. His performance is so convincing that it's hard to tell whether his character is an ally or an antagonist.
The plot of the movie is multi-layered and complex, with several subplots that intertwine seamlessly. Behind the Trees explores themes of spirituality, cultural differences, and the danger of blind trust. It's a movie that rewards a careful viewing, as small details and clues are sprinkled throughout the film, leading up to a satisfying payoff.
Overall, Behind the Trees is a well-crafted horror film that manages to be both haunting and beautiful. It's a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you with a sense of unease and intrigue.
Behind the Trees is a 2020 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.8.
