20 years on from The Blair Witch Project, it's still influencing enough filmmakers to keep the found footage genre alive on its own. And while there are a considerable amount of duds out there, there's also enough gems to convince us it's worth sticking with this much maligned sub-genre of horror.
And She Walks The Woods certainly falls into the gem category. The set up is simple - as four people head out into the remote wilderness to film their latest edition of the web series Ultimate Survival, only to come across something horrific that hunts them the minute they arrive at their remote, off the grid cabin. And after obliviously thinking it may be a mountain lion, the four soon realise that it's something far worse.
Found Footage is always at its best when it keeps things straight forward, which is why She Walks The Woods works so well. No unnecessary jump scares, no red herrings, just a gradual build up of dread that beholds the small cast of characters until they eventually fall victim to the thing that walks the woods. The tension keeps ratcheting up as every POV shot through the cameras threatens to reveal whatever it is that's stalking them.
She Walks The Woods feels like a love letter to the aforementioned Blair Witch Project, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's a great effort from everyone involved and hopefully there will be more to come from them. Fans of the FF genre will really appreciate She Walks The Woods for its slow burn atmosphere and genuine creep factor, and whilst it may not convert anyone who isn't already a fan of these films, those of us who do like them we are well catered for. Highly recommended.
