Notable Cast: Michael Kowalski, Emma Jessop, Dan Titmuss, Goodfella Mike G, Julia Kerr, Braford Selby, Ed Contini, Simone Boone
A few years ago, one of the prominent thematic trends in horror centered on “nature horror” or “earth horror.” Films like Gaia and In the Earth focused on how people caught in rural settings confronted the horrors of nature (sometimes with a slightly supernatural twist). So, when Beyond the Drumlins, the debut feature film from writer/director Daniel W. Bowhers, began down that path, it reminded us just how fleeting that trend was and how effective it can still be.
Beyond the Drumlins' conceptual horrors linger with
its audience after the film ends. An archaeological professor, Dr. Rust, and
his team venture into a rural area deep in the woods to find a spot for his
future class to test their skills. Upon reaching their destination, they
discover that the area has a sinister effect on them. Surrealist horror unfolds
as members fall under the influence of the surrounding forest. Classic.
The notion that an area, a seemingly non-threatening part of
nature, could break down the human psyche so rapidly is where the horror lies
in this film. It aligns with the budgetary constraints of an indie production,
bleeding a sense of surrealism into the mix that proves terrifyingly effective.
Whether it's the hallucinatory “spirits” that inhabit the woods, the
de-evolution of character interactions—which at times leads to slasher-like
kills—or the body horror where people vomit and cough up ‘dirt,’ once Beyond
the Drumlins finds its footing, it works, and it does so in shockingly
intriguing ways.
Granted, despite its valiant efforts in conceptual horror
and some solid tonal achievements, Beyond the Drumlins still struggles
with its pacing and compelling narrative. The film thrusts its audience onto
the journey with the characters, which features its fair share of solid
performances, but it takes a sweet, sweet minute or two to position them and
get the narrative moving. Sure, the latter half of the film succeeds in many
ways by delivering borderline cosmic horror elements while offering no real
explanation for it—a decision I wholeheartedly endorse. However, the lead
character meanders a bit too much, and many viewers may disengage before the
film finds its voice.
Yet, despite some flaws in its script, pacing, and sense of
urgency, Beyond the Drumlins is a film that has stayed with me since I
watched it. It’s intriguingly vague in its horror, leaning into its
unknowability and presenting some entertaining slabs of surrealism along the
way. The tone at times favors minimalism, although its occasionally synthy and
ethereal score stands out as a strong asset, and some viewers may not resonate
with that. Still, it’s a solid indie horror find and worth watching for those
who enjoy the “earth horror” vibes.
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