The spirit of summer camp, a place where countless adolescents have mastered outdoor techniques, experienced first love, navigated the complex terrain of sexual awakening, and faced untimely demises at the hands of deranged murderers or supernatural entities, is the core of Erik Bloomquist's horror-comedy, She Came from the Woods. The film skillfully balances terror and humor, a balancing act that often stumps many directors.
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Bloomquist collaborated with his brother Carson on the script. He navigates this delicate equilibrium with poise, primarily by focusing on one element at a time. The narrative smoothly transitions from a seemingly typical '80s camp comedy to an eerie tale soaked in blood and laden with corpses, centering around hereditary curses and survival. The story, initially appearing as light-hearted fun, evolves into an intense, unsettling throwback to the genre.
The plot unfolds on Camp Briarbrook's final day. Post camper departure, the counselors look forward to the traditional end-of-season celebration in the forest. However, their revelry is cut short due to a critical lapse of judgment, invoking the spirit of the infamous Nurse Agatha. The lore tells that she conducted bloody experiments on unsuspecting campers, but her dark legacy extends beyond that. Before long, she's commandeering counselors, brutally murdering errant teens, and fulfilling a revenge plot decades in the making.
The narrative incorporates all the clichés of a typical camp horror plot. Key characters include the owner's nonchalant son Peter (Spencer List, Good Trouble), his stern older brother Shawn (Tyler Elliot Burke, Tulsa King), their mother Heather (Cara Buono, Stranger Things), who bears an uncanny resemblance to Pamela Voorhees, along with other stereotypical camp personalities. The camp's founder, Gilbert, completes the ensemble. He is brought to life by the legendary William Sadler.
She Came From the Woods takes a slow, deliberate approach to setting up these characters, allowing their interactions to gradually shape the story. The movie explores various sub-plots including long-standing personal conflicts, the camp's uncertain future, and the challenges that the counselors, standing on the precipice of a new life chapter, face. While the cast performs admirably, the characters lack significant depth and dimension. They do exhibit elements of personality and emotion, but they truly shine when possessed by Nurse Agatha. The exception is Sadler, who delivers some memorable performances sporadically.
One drawback of the film is the absence of a clear protagonist. At first, it appears that Peter is the central character, given his well-defined narrative arc. He grapples with fear of facing the world, hiding behind humor and feigned apathy. However, he eventually blends into the ensemble, contributing to the film's lack of focus. The inconsistencies could be due to script issues or production limitations, common in low-budget indie projects. The backstory of Nurse Agatha also feels scattered and loosely defined.
Despite these minor shortcomings, She Came From the Woods stands as a delightful homage to vintage summer camp slasher flicks. The movie has disturbingly realistic gore effects, nostalgic set and costume design, a catchy Kim Wilde soundtrack, and a palpable affection for the films it mirrors. It exudes an infectious energy and enthusiasm that keeps the audience engaged and entertained.
