A woman with red hair finds herself pursued by suspicious locals as she makes her way through eerie forests and crumbling structures. A caregiver named Una Jo Blade sets out to locate her missing boyfriend in a rural area, but faces obstacles at every step due to the presence of questionable individuals possibly involved with methamphetamine production and supernatural practices. "Pines," directed by Una Jo, who also stars, is a skillfully crafted thriller/horror film that debuted in 2022 despite being filmed in 2011. It incorporates aspects reminiscent of “Winter’s Bone” and "Rust Creek," combined with the unsettling atmosphere of “Blair Witch,” and echoes the trope of beautiful women trapped within an abandoned building, as seen in “Death Tunnel.” Una Jo's presence is a significant draw, alongside the unsettling woodland setting and the suggestion of societal decay. The concept of a compassionate caregiver turning to violence when pushed into a desperate situation also holds appeal. However, the fragmented narrative style proves difficult for viewers (and frustrating), resulting in a confusing presentation. Still, it achieves its intended effect of disorientation. While appealing to horror enthusiasts, this film may also resonate with those drawn to dark rural dramas and thrillers such as “Blackway,” formerly known as "Go With Me." The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. I was unable to determine the filming location, even after checking the end credits; my guess is somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, potentially Oregon, given that’s where their previous production took place. GRADE: B-/C+

Source on TMDB