The concept behind _The Forest_ is likely more compelling than the horror movie itself. Many are aware of the unsettling history associated with Japan’s Aokigahara Forest, also known as “Suicide Forest,” located at the base of Mount Fuji and historically a place where people struggling with despair have gone to end their lives amidst the dense trees and winding paths. While this forest serves as a final, tranquil location for those seeking an end, it's also become a tourist attraction for visitors drawn to its beauty and mystery. Considering the powerful inspiration behind this film—a real-life haven of exceptional beauty and intrigue—why doesn’t _The Forest_ deliver the chilling thrills expected from a horror movie meant to capture the true unsettling nature of Aokigahara? The tragic story connected to this Asian region, known for having the world's second largest destination for suicides, should have been the film’s strongest element. Instead, _The Forest_ struggles to differentiate between light and shadow while presenting a hollow horror shell lacking genuine suspense beyond basic jump scares. The movie seems to rely on flashbacks, close-up shots of Natalie Dormer (playing twins Sara and Jess), and conventional creepy moments intended to create an atmosphere of unease. First-time director Jason Zada had the potential to explore psychological themes as his story involves a fragile human psyche confronting nature’s deceptive beauty. However, he and the screenwriters—Sarah Cornwell, Nick Antosca, and Ben Katai—fail to effectively combine despair with the eerie folklore of Aokigahara Forest. The exploration of loss and hopelessness within this beautiful woodland is sacrificed for a generic horror film that feels sluggish and lacks impact. Natalie Dormer portrays Sara Price as she searches for her missing twin sister Jess, who traveled to Japan. News spread that Jess was last seen in Aokigahara Forest—a worrying sign for both locals and visitors intrigued by the forest's reputation. As Sara looks for her sister, she must also confront personal demons and face the ghosts of her past, both within herself and those seemingly created by the forest. Her chances of finding Jess are slim in this desolate woodland. Sara needs to overcome her fears of depression, disillusionment, and disorientation, and venturing into Aokigahara isn't helping. There’s much that can be said about _The Forest’s_ shortcomings. Natalie Dormer’s character is meant to be a frightened woman with a troubled past, and the film does show the strong bond between the twins in both good times and bad. While Zada attempts to create an emotional connection between his protagonists and establish a disturbing backstory, he struggles to inject any genuine excitement into the story. Dormer’s Sara is reduced to frantically running through dark woods and reacting to sudden appearances, and the film misses an opportunity to fully utilize Aokigahara's unsettling power as a place of finality. Even if this horror film were based on the real-life suicides associated with “Suicide Forest,” there would likely be criticism for exploiting a Japanese location and its tragic reputation simply to give a Hollywood horror movie credibility. However, that controversy might have provided _The Forest_ with an upgrade to its otherwise predictable execution. A few supporting characters are introduced alongside Dormer’s Sara, but they don't significantly impact the story. Yukiyoshi Ozawa plays Michi, a Japanese tourist guide who abandons Sara and Taylor Kinney’s Aiden—a journalist covering the story—when Sara insists on staying in the forest as night approaches. This allows Aiden to get closer to Sara while documenting their journey through the scenic but sinister woods. The Yurei, or spirits said to influence visitors' suicidal urges, then appear to torment Sara and reinforce her delusions. Some positive aspects do stand out, such as Mattias Troelstrup’s cinematography and the unsettling visuals of bodies hanging from trees, which emphasize the eerie atmosphere of lost souls in pain. Otherwise, Zada’s film is a shallow and uninspired journey through _The Forest_. _The Forest_ (2016) 1 hr. 35 mins. Starring: Natalie Dormer, Taylor Kinney and Yukiyoshi Ozawa Directed by: Jason Zada MPAA Rating: PG-13 Genre: Horror/Psychological Thriller (c) Frank Ochieng 2016

Source on TMDB