Thanks to the VCR, tape trading, and companies willing to do anything and everything, many look back on the 1980s as the Golden Age of Horror. Because of this, many horror movies will revisit this period, literally and in spirit. She Came from the Woods is about a group of camp counselors who accidentally release a vengeful killer. But there is more going on than just an 80s inspired blood fest.
Director Erik Bloomquist (who wrote the script with his brother Carson) has gotten better with each new film. She Came from the Woods shows how much he has continued to grow. Taking place in 1987, She Came from the Woods is filled with the tropes of the genre and era. The film leans into these ideas while also doing an excellent job of subverting expectations. This makes things fun for old school horror fans but never feels derivative.
The most important part of any slasher is having plenty of victims to dispose of in clever ways. She Came from the Woods also has plenty for gorehounds to admire as the effects and make up exceed expectations and are a pleasant surprise. The story is well paced and escalates from a just another camp movie to outright terror. It does run a little long, however.
The Bloomquists are great at creating deep characters. Everything is in place for a fun horror throwback that makes for great background viewing but leaves no impression. Instead, She Came from the Woods explores issues such as generational trauma. The film never gets too serious, but it is also has more to say than others of its ilk.
She Came from the Woods is an entertaining watch that pays homage to horror movies of the past. It never relies solely on nostalgia and uses modern storytelling to prevent it from getting stale. The film is made with love and it is clear Erik and Carson Bloomquist care for genre cinema. There are some noticeable flaws, but it is an overall fun time.
She Came from the Woods comes to theaters February 10
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