'The Forest' is a flawed film. Forests are such a perfect environment for a horror movie to be set in. They lend themselves to so many options and are an uncomfortable setting for a lot of people, especially at night. Now, with a horror film almost entirely set in one (and even titled one) you would be sure you were in for a little bit of a fun ride. Sadly in this case, no. Director Jason Zada tries his best to create a creepy atmosphere but ultimately fails. In part, he fails due to a line early in the film which states, "everything you see is in your mind" (or something to that effect). Now this is just simply not a smart line to have at the start of a horror movie. Instantly the audience is completely taken out of the frightened perspective of the character and can safely watch the rest of the film knowing that nothing scary that appears is actually of any significance. Add to that numerous dream sequences early in the film and you've completely lost the interest of every viewer you have.
All you're left with after all that is gone are cheap jump scares. A few of them work and give you a sudden jolt but horror has evolved so far past those in the modern age that it certainly doesn't make this a good film. There's a complete lack of tension at any stage and characters are bland and uninteresting, making this an almost entire misfire. A few jumps might be of interest for the most tolerant of horror lovers, otherwise though avoid at all costs.
All you're left with after all that is gone are cheap jump scares. A few of them work and give you a sudden jolt but horror has evolved so far past those in the modern age that it certainly doesn't make this a good film. There's a complete lack of tension at any stage and characters are bland and uninteresting, making this an almost entire misfire. A few jumps might be of interest for the most tolerant of horror lovers, otherwise though avoid at all costs.