beware the woods

Rating: 8/10 (17 September 2017)

Based on the success of the short, Guillermo del Toro presents this feature length version of Andy Muschietti's vision. First off, the 15 certificate filled me with foreboding. When are we going to start seeing horror 18's again! But saying that this film does have it's fair share of jumps, throw in to the mix a spirit who's 'Grudge' like noises definitely creeped me out and will make me check my closet before going to sleep his evening. the film follows two young girls who are abandoned in a cabin in the woods by their estranged father for 6 years before their uncles efforts to find them succeed.
They are rescued and taken in by their uncle and his reluctant girlfriend but who has been looking after them all this time? I was fairly impressed with the overall aesthetics of this movie and it confirms my suspicions that Europeans are indeed the masters of horror. Yes this is technically a remake, but a remake of the directors own short film made 6 years previous and not a pointless scareless rehash that seems popular in the states of late. Muschietti's ability to take us on a journey through the eyes of not just Annabel but also of the two young girls was expertly driven, normally kids in movies make me reach for the remote to change channel but these two were fantastic.
Jessica Chastain's portrayal of Annabel was very believable as a woman not ready for the burden of motherhood but she carries the role exceedingly well and the film is as much her journey as that of the kids and of the 'what' that has been looking after them.
Watch it if you were disappointed with Drag me to Hell or Don't be Afraid of the Dark as this is far better