Watch Don't Say Its Name

Don't Say Its Name is a 2021 horror-thriller film directed by Rueben Martell and co-written by Martell with Gerald Wexler. The movie boasts a cast including Sera-Lys McArthur, Madison Walsh, and Julian Black Antelope. This eerie narrative unfolds in the chilling backdrop of an isolated indigenous community and delves into the pressing environmental issues wrapped in a layer of supernatural horror.

The story is set in a remote First Nations reserve in the heart of a snowy forest that is both captivating and menacing in its isolation. The community has entered a contentious agreement with a mining company that promises economic prosperity but at the untold cost of environmental damage and the possible destruction of their traditional way of life. The tension within the community is palpable as members are torn between the allure of modern progress and the preservation of ancestral lands.

Following the mysterious death of a local woman who was outspoken against the mining operations, the plot begins to thicken. Enter Kharis Redwater, portrayed by Sera-Lys McArthur, a stoic and resilient character who has served in the military and is now a forest ranger patrolling the outskirts of her community. Redwater's poise and tenacity make her a relatable protagonist as she grapples with the task of keeping peace and protecting her land amidst the growing unrest.

Partnering with Redwater is Stacey Cole, played by Madison Walsh, an environmentalist and a researcher who holds the conviction that the path to prosperity does not have to come at the expense of ecological destruction. Together, they are not only faced with the challenge of defending the lands from external threats but also a more sinister presence that seems to be awakened by the discord within the community and the encroachment on sacred ground.

Julian Black Antelope adds another layer to the ensemble as a local sheriff with deep ties to the community. His character is riddled with the complexity of enforcing law and order while navigating the intricacies of indigenous customs and facing a force that seems to defy logical explanation. He is key to maintaining some semblance of normalcy as events begin to spiral into chaos.

As the plot unfolds, a string of violent incidents and unexplained occurrences plague the community, igniting fear and paranoia among its members. The landscape itself—a character in its own right—amplifies the sense of dread with its vast expanses of wilderness that seem to harbor secrets within its shadows. The striking cinematography captures the stark contrast between nature’s beauty and its potential for harboring darkness.

The supernatural element of Don't Say Its Name weaves through the narrative like an icy wind—it is never fully seen but its chilling presence is felt throughout. The story taps into the rich tapestry of indigenous folklore, presenting a creature born from the whispers and warnings from generations past, a malevolent spirit whose name is better left unspoken. As the characters grapple with this otherworldly threat, the film does more than scare—it holds up a mirror to the real-life fears and struggles faced by indigenous communities.

In the tradition of socially aware horror, Don't Say Its Name is a film that is as much about raising consciousness as it is about delivering thrills. It explores themes of colonization, environmental activism, and cultural preservation—all under the guise of horror. The narrative doesn't shy away from addressing the complex relationship between industry and indigenous sovereignty, drawing viewers into a thought-provoking dialogue through its suspenseful storyline.

The horror in Don't Say Its Name is both physical and psychological. It is a tale of survival against a seeming unstoppable force, but it is also a meditation on the resilience of a community and the lengths it will go to protect its identity and autonomy. The use of indigenous languages and practices within the film also offers a respectful portrayal of a culture that is often underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media, adding layers of authenticity to the story.

As fear escalates and the community's very existence is threatened, Redwater and Cole find themselves in a race against time to unravel the mystery behind the malevolent force while shouldering the hope of their people. The tension builds to a gripping climax that promises to leave audiences on the edge of their seats, questioning the boundaries between myth and reality and the unseen consequences of tampering with the natural world.

Don't Say Its Name captures a haunting tale that blends environmental concerns with supernatural horror, delivering bone-chilling scares while shedding light on the real monsters that can arise from the disrespect of nature and heritage. It is a film that stays with you, provoking thought and conversation long after the credits roll.

Don't Say Its Name is a 2022 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.