‘Just when you think you’re out of the woods’
Stranger in the Woods is a 2024 psychological horror film about a young woman who is taken by her friends on a weekend trip to help her recover from a traumatic event. When her dog dies, the trip begins to unravel. Also known as Look at Me
Directed by Adam Newacheck from a screenplay written by Holly Kenney who also stars. The American Wonk production also stars Devon Stewart, Paris Nicole, Brendin Brown and Radek Antczak.
Plot:
Follows Olivia (Holly Kenney) and her friends as they go to a vacation. After Olivia nearly drowned with a slit wrist in her bathtub after her fiancé’s funeral, her friends suspect that she killed herself, but she believes someone attacked her…
Reviews:
“The performances were compelling, though there were a few character choices that felt like they lacked motivation. For example, it was hard to believe that folks would still be able to have a good time if someone’s dog was missing on a trip as happens in a key plot point of this movie. Even with such suspensions of disbelief the narrative still grappled attention, and it all came together as a nuanced female-led thriller.” Festigious
” …the mystery and twists can be guessed, but this also means that it comes across as believable and realistic. Overall, this new thriller has a lot going for it. From the cast to the story to the overall pace and directing, I really enjoyed this movie. With a few extra surprises along the way, this could easily have been at 4 out of 5.” Heaven of Horror
“The art direction with the strange taxidermy foreshadowed the danger to occur. Much like the hunted stuffed animals, the characters themselves would be preyed upon with hunting gear. With taut dramatic tension, nuanced performances, and meaningful themes, this was an exciting, thoughtful watch.” Los Angeles Film Awards
“Its suspenseful twists, profound character arcs, and thematic depth are commendable additions to the thriller genre. Despite a few narrative hiccups, the film’s compelling exploration of human psychology and spirit shines through. The film will keep you guessing, and while you may hit a point or two, the predictability doesn’t take away from the overall suspense of the experience.” ★★★½ Overly Honest Reviews
“The script is written by Holly Kenney (who also plays Olivia). She successfully brings together a fun diverse group that acts so casually together that their diversity is never brought up. Yet what are supposedly heavy plot reveals also come across too casually. There is no proper tease or build-up. And certainly no surprise. The thriller aspect of the story comes in so late it is almost treated as an afterthought.” Read @Joe’s
Trailer:
Notes:
This film should not be confused with József Gallai’s A Stranger in the Woods (2024) which stars Bill Oberst Jr and Lynn Lowry.
