Watch Figure In The Forest

Figure In The Forest is a 2002 independent film written and directed by James W. Roberson. The film is set in the rural mountains of North Carolina and follows a group of characters as they navigate life after the sudden disappearance of a young girl. The film opens with a chilling shot of a girl wandering into the woods, followed closely by a shadowy figure. We then cut to the main character, Tommy (played by Dean Teaster), a local farmer who has recently lost his wife to cancer. Tommy is understandably struggling with his grief and spends most of his time drinking and avoiding his responsibilities. One day, however, he stumbles upon the missing girl's backpack and decides to take matters into his own hands by organizing a search party.

Tommy's search brings him into contact with a variety of characters, all of whom are dealing with their own personal demons. There's Father McCready (played by DJ Perry), a priest struggling with his faith and haunted by his past; Sheriff Bill Childers (played by Terry Jernigan), a corrupt lawman with a penchant for violence; and Tanya (played by Mary Jo Cuppone), a waitress with a troubled past and a deep connection to the missing girl.

As the search for the girl continues, tensions begin to rise and the characters' secrets and desires are slowly revealed. It quickly becomes clear that no one is exactly who they seem and that there are dark forces at work in the woods. Tommy, in particular, begins to experience strange visions and encounters with the shadowy figure that seems to be stalking him.

The film is shot on a shoestring budget, but director James W. Roberson makes great use of the beautiful mountain landscapes and eerie woods to create a tense and atmospheric thriller. The acting, while not always polished, is generally strong, with Dean Teaster giving a particularly moving performance as the grieving Tommy. Mary Jo Cuppone also shines as the damaged Tanya, bringing an emotional depth to her character that is often lacking in low-budget horror films.

Despite its flaws, Figure In The Forest is an effective and haunting horror film that puts character first. While the film is certainly scary and tense, it's just as interested in exploring the emotional lives of its characters as it is in delivering thrills. The film is ultimately about the ways in which grief, guilt, and desire can twist a person, and how those inner demons can come to the surface in the most unexpected and terrifying ways.

Overall, Figure In The Forest is a well-made and gripping horror film that is well worth seeking out for fans of the genre. While it may not have the slick production values of a Hollywood blockbuster, it more than makes up for it with a strong script, memorable characters, and a genuinely creepy atmosphere. If you're looking for a horror film that will stick with you long after the credits roll, this is definitely one to check out.