In The Earth is an exhilarating, psychedelic and satisfying horror movie with memorable cinematic scenes that deserve the big screen.
We were delighted to discover Ben Wheatley’s new engaging and powerful cinematic experience entitled In The Earth, now playing at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Take Midsommar, The House That Jack Built and Gaspar Noe’s fascination for stroboscope and you will get quite a good sense of what the director of High-Rise offers us in his new horror movie, crafted during the pandemic.
As the world searches for a cure to a disastrous virus, In The Earth follows a scientist and park scout venture deep in the forest for a routine equipment run.
Early on, an efficient opening sequence introduces us to a world we have known for nearly a year now since the story takes place during the current pandemic. The comparison stops here though. We are exposed to Martin, a scientist, and Alma, a park scout, who embark together on a mission through the forest. The director succeeds at transporting us into a journey through horror, science fiction and survival at the same time where his two main characters fall prey to the forest’s mystical power…
Despite the film’s apparent low budget, Ben Wheatley finds multiple ways to create a truly cinematic experience with stunning sequences and shots. The film is also anchored by an arresting electronic music score. Some scenes in the forest – where much of the film takes place – are so exhilarating and refreshing. The badass sound and light system displayed there by one of the characters as part of a supposedly scientific experiment offers an amazing movie set. These invigorating scenes rank without a doubt as some of the most memorable moments in our Sundance 2021 experience so far.
For actors who basically met on set and took part in a movie developed in a very fast turnaround, the characters create a beautiful harmony. Among the cast, actress Ellora Torchia shines as she delivers a gripping performance. Her supposedly smaller part in the film becomes increasingly important as the plot unfolds. With such a strong performance, Ellora Torchia is, more than ever, a very promising actress to keep an eye out for.
The film is at its best when it shows Martin and Alma desperately looking for a way out while remaining subject to two mysterious, layered, and funny characters. There is rare excitement in seeing the two main protagonists being drugged and therefore barely able to refuse that their whimsical torturer cut off Martin’s toes with his axe for example.
In the final scene, the director delivers a crushing punch which will leave audiences wondering when the credits start to roll.
Overall, In The Earth is an engaging, psychedelic, entertaining horror movie that we can’t wait to watch again, in a movie theatre.
