Shooting using both a 16mm camera and a video camera they record not only clips for their documentary but also footage of their activities. Delving deeper into the woods they discover some strange piles of stones. Whilst filming, one of them accidentally disturbs a pile. Later that night, whilst camping, they here strange noises. The next day they realise they've lost the map and are lost.
Tempers fray, hysteria kicks in, events get weirder and their camp is attacked.
Now instead of worrying if they'll get their gear back in time they're worried they might not get back at all. It's impossible after having watched the film to see any form of sequel and it's going to be difficult for anyone to successfully imitate it. What we have here is probably the apex of the mockumentary genre. The directors, Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez, draw extremely realistic performances from their cast who really do look tired, wet, hungry and scared. The sharp edge between film and real life is blurred.