THE LONG DARK TRAIL: Enjoy the Vibe

THE LONG DARK TRAIL (Blu-ray)

2022 / 78 min

FROM CLEOPATRA ENTERTAINMENT

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Two things make The Long Dark Trail worth checking out…

First, it looks great. Despite an obviously limited budget, the film manages to make the most of its wilderness locations. There’s almost a folk horror aura in its visuals, punctuated by creatively creepy hallucinatory sequences that - while having little to do with the actual plot - establish a foreboding atmosphere.

Second, the music score by co-director Kevin Ignatus is outstanding. Less is definitely more here, as the imagery is enhanced by hypnotically repetitive minimalism. The film would be far less compelling without it, as there are many moments when the music is the only thing instilling a sense of dread.

Both aspects go a long way in compensating for a rambling, scattershot narrative. The story has two young brothers (Carter & Brady O’Donnell) who escape their abusive dad and embark on a lengthy journey to find the mother who left them years earlier. Mom has since joined some kind of demon-worshiping cult led by Zeke (Nick Psinakis, also the film’s co-director). Much of the middle act chronicles their days-long trek through forests and over mountains, occasionally experiencing isolated incidents of supernatural terror.

"On second thought, maybe you shouldn't Stand by Me."

However, the haunted burial grounds, glowing stones, flesh-eating lesions and menacing figures ultimately have no bearing on the story’s outcome. The cult itself engages in ritualistic murder, but they’re simply depicted as a band of crazies, not conjurors. We also wonder why these kids feel compelled to abandon their bikes and take such a treacherous route in the first place. Not only do they know exactly where their mother is located, the cult is seen driving to and from their own compound, meaning it must be accessible using the main roads. I suppose one could argue it’s to avoid their vengeful dad, but then why is he later able to find them so easily?

The film is further hampered by minimal characterization and bland performances (especially the lead actors). But all these liabilities notwithstanding, The Long Dark Trail isn’t without its rewards. Methodically paced, It does a great job creating an ominous tone, with some undeniably effective sequences that play like a fever dream. As one of those chill-in-the-dark-and-give-in-to-the-vibe movies, the experience is fairly enjoyable...maybe even a little cathartic.

EXTRA KIBBLES

INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR NICK PSINAKIS

BLOOPERS/BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE

SLIDE SHOW