Into the Forest: Survival and Strength
Into the Forest
Directed by Patricia Rozema
Written by Patricia Rozema
The review:
Based on the Jean Hegland book that made a big impression on me in the late 90s,* this film highlights how the bond between sisters can be strengthened and tested when the world switches to survival. As distopias go, it’s a low-key one,** though stuff goes down, giving Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood a chance to show off their skills. I thought the timing was off, and the movie wrapped up too quickly, but I so rarely get to see two-person films where both persons are women, this felt like a treat.
The verdict: Good
Cost: free via Kanopy, the library’s streaming service.
Where watched: at home
Consider also watching:
- Leave No Trace
- Winter’s Bone
- The Rider
- Tully (2018)
- Tully (2000)
Further sentences:
*Mental note I made after reading the book: Make sure to have a library of foraging and survival books on hand. I still haven’t checked off that note.
**Northern California’s lush landscape (played here by British Columbia) keeps everything from feeling hopeless.
Questions:
- Are you ready to survive in your landscape, should you have to?
- What’s your favorite two-person film where both persons are women?
Favorite IMDB trivia item:
Ellen Page was inspired to make the film after coming across the book written by Jean Hegland while browsing through a small store in her native Halifax. It was suggested to her by the woman working there and after she read it, she decided to produce a movie-version of the story.
Other reviews of Into the Forest:
- April Wolfe, Village Voice
- Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times
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