Patricia Rozema’s intimate and quietly thoughtful drama **Into the Forest** explores the challenges within a sisterly bond as it is tested by an unsettling, massive power outage. Academy Award-nominees Ellen Page (“Juno”) and Rachel Evan Wood (“Thirteen”) portray the sisters in Rozema’s meditative story about global panic and disillusionment when the world faces potential technological collapse. Essentially, **Into the Forest** offers a low-key character study that examines not only societal breakdown but also the strength of sisterhood, held together by faith and fear amidst difficult circumstances. Rozema's disciplined direction and thought-provoking script create a cynical atmosphere that psychologically resonates. The film’s leads deliver convincing performances as the sisters find themselves trapped in an isolating environment as global problems threaten the world. Rozema effectively establishes layers of disorientation on both a large, worldwide scale and a more personal level for the vulnerable siblings. **Into the Forest** is most impactful when viewers are confronted with the frightening reality of the protagonists’ mental and emotional struggles. The film manages to be chilling without resorting to over-the-top clichés often found in doomsday scenarios. Set in the near future, the story follows Nell (Page) and Eva (Evan Wood), along with their father Robert (Callum Rennie), who live in a large house in the Pacific Northwest woods. The narrative quickly establishes its premise when the loss of electricity immediately creates uncertainty—the family is stranded without access to essential amenities. They realize that power may not be restored, leading to disbelief and heightened tension as their supplies dwindle. Hopelessness begins to set in as Nell’s and Eva's sanity feels increasingly fragile. Rozema uses **Into the Forest** to examine how easily civilization can unravel. The film comments on mankind's complacency and arrogance regarding readily available resources—whether natural or technologically provided. While perhaps not deeply traumatic, it offers an uplifting message about human despair triggered by a sudden catastrophe. It’s unflinching and reflective, displaying a distinct style rarely seen in typical Hollywood fear-based tales. Talented performers like Page and Evan Wood convey the vulnerability that creates genuine concern within the film's unsettling theme. Rozema often portrays complex women undergoing personal growth and self-discovery. Previous films such as "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" (2008) and “I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing” (1987) demonstrate similar traits embodied in the determined spirit and inner doubts of her heroines. Page and Evan Wood effectively carry the anxieties inherent in Rozema's character-driven showcase of a crumbling world order. **Into the Forest** ultimately unfolds as a surreal, disastrous fairy tale steeped in psychological turmoil. The story suggests that Little Red Riding Hood’s experiences pale in comparison to the exposed struggles of **Forest’s** sisterly protagonists, Nell and Eva. **Into the Forest** (2016) Rhombus Media 1 hr. 41 mins. Starring: Ellen Page, Rachel Evan Wood, Callum Keith Rennie, Wendy Crewson, Max Minghella, Michael Eklund, Jordana Largy Directed and Written by: Patricia Rozema MPAA Rating: R Genre: Science Fiction and Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic Drama, Psychological Thriller Critic's rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars) (c) Frank Ochieng (2016)

Source on TMDB