'I Feel Real Anxiety': This Forgotten Horror with Natalie Dormer Aged like Fine Wine
Critics didn't accept it, but it deserves a second chance.
British actress Natalie Dormer is best known for her iconic role in Game of Thrones, but her contributions to the horror genre are often underrated. One such example is the 2016 film The Forest, which, upon release, received mixed reviews and average ratings. We believe it deserves much more recognition!
An Unusual Horror That Scares Without Cheap Jump Scares
At first glance, The Forest seems like a standard horror story: the protagonist (played by Natalie Dormer) travels to the infamous Aokigahara forest in Japan to search for her missing sister. However, this film goes beyond the classic horror tropes. Instead of relying on cheap scares, it builds its atmosphere on psychological fear, playing with the perception of reality.
Viewers on IMDb note that after watching this film, it becomes impossible to walk calmly through the forest at dusk — that’s how a good psychological horror works. The setting itself, the real Aokigahara forest, a symbol of loneliness and tragedy, adds a grim sense of authenticity to the film.
Natalie Dormer at Her Best
It’s no secret that the success of a horror film largely depends on the lead character. Dormer excels in this task, conveying fear, despair, and determination in her portrayal. According to viewers, it’s her performance that elevates the film to a new level.
"The actress fully brings her character to life, and it’s thanks to her that I felt genuine anxiety throughout the film," claim the viewers.
What’s This Film Similar To?
If you liked 1408 or Ouija: Origin of Evil, then The Forest might be a pleasant (and creepy) discovery. Like those films, it plays on the boundary between reality and hallucinations, making the viewer question what’s really happening on screen. If you enjoy the dark atmosphere of Asian horror, you’ll find echoes of The Ring and The Grudge here.
A Film That Makes You Think
Despite average ratings upon release, many viewers have re-evaluated The Forest over time.
"I thought I’d mock it, but in the end, the tension held throughout the entire film," writes one IMDb user.
The film plays on the fear of the unknown, causing the viewer to doubt the reality of what’s happening.
Unlike many modern horror films, The Forest doesn’t just scare you; it creates an atmosphere of foreboding. It features plot twists and moments that leave the viewer reflecting even after the final credits roll.
Yes, the film isn’t perfect — some visual effects could have been better, and the script could have included more surprises. But ten years later, it proves its worth. It’s not just a horror film; it’s a psychological puzzle that stays with you. So, if you missed it in 2016 or watched it casually and forgot, now is the perfect time to give it a second chance.
