Watch The People Garden

The People Garden is a 2016 independent film directed by Nadia Litz and starring Dree Hemingway, Pamela Anderson, and Jai West. The movie tells the story of a young woman named Sweetpea (Hemingway) who travels to Japan to visit her rockstar boyfriend, Jamie (West), on the set of his music video shoot. However, when she arrives, she discovers that Jamie has disappeared, and she must navigate the unfamiliar and eerie landscapes of Japan's Aokigahara forest, also known as the Sea of Trees, in search of him.

The opening scenes of the film set up a dark and moody tone as Sweetpea arrives in Tokyo and is immediately confronted with the city's bustling crowds and flashing lights. She is shown to be an independent and strong-willed person, effortlessly navigating her way through the busy streets and train stations. However, her tough exterior soon crumbles when she discovers that Jamie is missing and she is left to search for him alone.

As she makes her way to the Aokigahara forest, Sweetpea is met with a series of strange and unsettling encounters. She meets with the crew of Jamie's music video shoot, who seem to be hiding information from her about his disappearance. She also runs into a group of hikers who warn her about the sinister reputation of the forest and the many suicides that have taken place there.

Dree Hemingway delivers a captivating performance as Sweetpea, perfectly capturing the character's sense of desperation and vulnerability as she tries to make sense of what is happening around her. The cinematography by Catherine Lutes is also noteworthy, as she skillfully captures the haunting beauty of the forest and the unsettling atmosphere that surrounds Sweetpea's journey.

Pamela Anderson also makes a brief appearance as Jamie's ex-girlfriend, Michaela, who Sweetpea encounters during her search. Anderson plays the role with a subdued and melancholic energy, adding a further layer of intrigue to the already mysterious plot.

The People Garden is a slow-burning psychological thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. It explores themes of loss, grief, and the human connection in a setting that is both eerie and captivating. While the film's pacing may be a bit too slow for some viewers, it is ultimately a rewarding viewing experience that provides a haunting and thought-provoking meditation on the human condition.

In conclusion, The People Garden is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. Its exploration of grief and loss is handled with sensitivity and care, while its unique setting and atmospheric cinematography add an extra layer of intrigue to the plot. Fans of slow-burning psychological thrillers will find plenty to enjoy here, and those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema will be left with much to ponder on long after the credits have rolled.

The People Garden is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.