Synopsis: An injured forest ranger on a routine mission is saved by two off-the-grid survivalists. What is initially a welcome rescue grows more suspicious as the son and his renegade father reveal a cultish devotion to the forest.
I’m not really sure why but this film never really hit my radar when it was released a couple years ago. Given that I’m an avid hiker, anything involving the unknown things lurking in the shadows among the trees is usually a “must watch” for me. Stranded alone in the woods? Check. Stalked by off-the-grid shady characters? Check. Something odd always just out of sight? Check. A psychoactive invasive spore? Check. This South African production had all the survival horror boxes ticked and then some but I’m not 100% sold on it.
The cinematography had a trippy feel to it at times with creative transitions keeping the viewer a little off-kilter which I enjoyed but the story itself could have used a little help. You can definitely see a Last of Us influence (game not the show, since this predates the HBO property) with the plot and character creation. The creatures were done well with practical effects but the use of some CGI for the environmental effects felt a little off and pulled me out of the scene. The acting itself, while not terrible was just average with nobody really standing out. All in all this one was a solid 2.5. Middle of the road, average at best. Would I actively seek it out? Nope, but it might grab the casual horror watcher and entertain them for the 96 minute runtime.
If this sounds like your cup of tea then give it a go but it won’t be one that I’ll be investing time in again. Gaia can currently be streamed on Hulu as of this writing.
Join me tomorrow as we continue our journey down the horror rabbit hole.
