Loop Track

Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not after you.

The adage from Joseph Heller's classic novel, Catch 22, certainly reigns true in the case of the story told in this Kiwi film from Thomas Sainsbury.

As we watch down on his luck loser, Ian, tramp through the woods, in a search for solitude.

Only to find himself linking up with a group of other hikers, who are on their way to visit the Kauri Forest.

Before paranoia turns to reality...and things take a dark turn, that leaves them fighting for their lives.

The whole thing has Ben Wheatley vibes (think, like Sightseers, or Kill List)...as it's a slow burning, darkly comic, adventure, with an explosive ending that does not disappoint.

But it's also particularly Kiwi, in the sense that it's a regionally influenced folk horror, of sorts.

For the most part...what is going on is a mystery.

However, Sainsbury manages to keep you engaged with comic interactions between the members of the group.

So, even though it's a slow burner...he never really loses you.

And fully rewards those who stick through it to the end.

Though, I don't want to give too much away and ruin it for you...

But I really enjoyed this!

So give it a shot, and see it through.

Because once the end rolls around.

I can't see you being disappointed.

I certainly wasn't.

6 out of 10.

So I watched this movie on a recommendation from the reddit r/horror, when I asked for a list of good horror movies from the last 10 years or so. I asked for non mainstream, obscure movies that were well made. This was one of these movies.

I am not going to tell you anything about the movie, except it is about a man with very bad social anxiety going on a hike in the Kiwi forest. Most of these other reviews are literally giving you there own fan fiction, as they must all be award winning screen writers lol. Really don't want to say much more than this, due to I personally like to go in blind to a movie like this. I will say it is a slow burn, and takes until a good bit of the movie to get where it's going, so if you don't like these types of movies, then maybe don't bother. I am a horror fan and I thought it was pretty original, you'll know what I mean when you get to the end. Oh another thing, I read that it is a horror/comedy? Well imo there really isn't anything funny in it, unless it's a kiwi thing, idk. So don't expect any laughs.

This one was a good time but didn't get all the way there for me. They did a great job with tension building and suspense without it being boring and the characters and acting were there for sure. It was lacking a bit in story... I know not everything needs to be spoon fed but I think there was a little too much left up in the air with this one.

Also the reveal was a little silly looking although not awful. It just generally felt a little undercooked, but the things that were successful here I thought they did a really nice job with. This is a slow burn for sure but I think overall worth it. 5.5 rounding down to a 5, would recommend.

This is a good low budget horror film that demonstrates one of my theories on the genre, that the most difficult thing is often the ending.

It's a 90 minute film, and for 70 minutes it builds tension on a typical New Zealand four or five day bush tramp, or trek. Middle aged city dweller, Ian, the protagonist, starts as a solo hiker, determined to remain so, inexperienced, unfit and with some shady immediate past that he is uncomfortable about. He seems to have undertaken the challenge to reset his mental state.

The other characters are just as well acted, hikers who are on the same route as him; Nicky, with all the gear, says he is very experienced but seems to talk the talk but makes basic errors, drinking river water as an example. Also, Austin and Danielle, a Namibian and an Australian on their honeymoon.

For anyone who has experienced the huts and trails of New Zealand, or who would be keen to, this is highly watchable, filmed with a wonderful backdrop of the native bush and capturing the nightly hit scene very well.

Thomas Sainsbury plays the part of Ian, as well as writing and directing. He does everything well, though that last twenty minutes.. I can imagine he toyed with a few different endings. I won't spoil of course, suffice to say I couldn't have possibly guessed the turn it would take.

Throughout the hike, Ian thinks someone is following them. He sees vague outlines in the trees, but the others convince him it is his own paranoia.

I didn't like the ending, but admire Sainsbury for being bold enough to carry it through. It's got to end somehow.. but the first 70 minutes was tremendous.

An absolute amazing accomplishment done with very little money, lesser known actors, in New Zeeland!

Once I saw Carnifex 2022, I kinda knew that this was the standards for Australian horror movies. After Razorback, Rogue and Carnifex, the difference was made by budget alone.

Here comes Loop Track, with its own tone, characters, making you guess all around, great shifts, amazing surroundings, simply put, what a rush!

A rush that starts as evasive and slow as possible, only to build momentum and then let it all out.

I couldn't possibly recommend it more, because it's just such a fun experience, somehow feel good, satisfaying view.

I do not think you can go wrong with this one. It simply is a must.

I'm not going to say anything else because I fear I'm going to spoil it. And I really wanna stay away from giving away any information.

Take it. Grab some snacks. A cold beer because this movie will make you feel the heat from the bush. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Cheers!