The Wrap
“The Forest” is set in Japan’s Aokigahara Forest, an area infamous for the number of local citizens who go there to commit suicide, and those offended by the idea of a Western horror movie exploiting a real-life site of tragedy certainly have a point. After all, American viewers probably wouldn’t appreciate a Japanese production traveling to Ground Zero to make a 9/11-themed ghost story.
There are plenty of horror movies out there that aren't great, but are fun to watch. Here are a few of our favorites.
Joblo
The Forest, directed by newcomer Jason Zada, seems like a great place to stage a psychological horror film. A real-life, creepy forest in Japan that is notorious as a place for people to commit suicide? And not only that, one of my favorite actresses, Natalie Dormer, is finally getting a lead role in a film? Sign me up... well, sign me up to watch a horror movie set there, not go there myself. But unfortunately, the film doesn't take advantage of its awesome premise or lead actress, and instead languishes as your typical, below average January release.
TRR: Filmed on-location in Japan and in Serbia's Tara National Park, The Forest looks authentic, and it certainly isn't lacking for atmospheric tension. That being said, if you're expecting to be scared out of your seat, you're barking up the wrong tree.