Forest of Death (2023) User Reviews

Did I watch the same movie as all the other reviewers!??

[cszarek · 3/10 · 8 April 2023]

I usually don't write reviews but after reading all the other ones, I watched the movie and was thinking, this can't be the same movie! The reviewers must have got paid or something because this has to be one of the worst movies. Okay, that was a little harsh, so let me rephrase that. The movie could have been great if there was more action and better acting.

What's all this time wasted listening to that awful music while they're playing cards? One time would have been enough. I still can't get it out my head that all these reviewers are giving this movie a good rating. Bad acting, boring plot!

He's Back

[nogodnomasters · 5/10 · 18 April 2023]

Plot Spoilers Four young adults go to a cabin in the woods. Cue Spinner...SHAPESHIFTER! We see the shapeshifter in the first scene. Tom (Tyler Miller) and Ashley (Chloë Marie Rhoades) are an item and each brings along a third wheel to help pay for the cabin. Dylan (Dylan DeVane) and Tracy (Stephanie Kirves) are the non-acting, can't read bad lines extras. At the cabin they have a run in with Roger (Benjamin L. Newmark) the nephew of the owner who has a Betelgeuse demeanor. Perhaps the only decent character in the film. Roger tells the group about the shapeshifters in the woods and that they don't like fire. After a day or so, they come to believe the story.

The acting and dialogue was bad for an otherwise well made film. They also messed up the ending (SPOILER). Joe (Reggie Johnson) the owner claimed this was his first rental yet the couple who was there before them was killed by a shapeshifter. One would deduce Joe was either a shapeshifter or feeding them through rentals. So in the end as he is driving to "save" the final person, he should be the their demise.

Guide: F-word. Noisy sex. No nudity.

Do not Recommend.

[chickenboyhenry · 3/10 · 1 October 2023]

The acting for one is very notable from actors who trying to break into the world of film. Although there about 2 scary scenes which I found joy in, the movie itself loses. The scares are few and very predictable. Unfortunately the watching experience is harmed by the poor effects and the acting which were done in the film. The best acting however was done by the two individuals who were not in the actual house that is in the forest itself, even though their parts in the film are very minimal their scenes felt believable and were in fact natural. Honestly though I do not recommend this movie for the time of length it could have been done in a shorter time to save the time of the viewer and the people in the film. All in all this movie is mainly to be watched if there is nothing better to watch on ones list and although it is a semi painful watch I for one do not recommend it.

Almost Unwatchable

[oz-marky · 2/10 · 2 April 2023]

Seems everyone involved has written a review giving this poorly made film a high score. The storyline is weak, the dialogue is childish, and the acting is abysmal. Nothing happens for most of the movie, and when it does it's not scary of surprising. Annoying teens in a house (not a cabin) do the exact opposite of what they're told not to do. The "special" effects aren't special, and the ending is laughable. Not clever or different, just low budget and poorly constructed. A waste of the cost of renting this boring, predictable, drawn out mess. Felt like a bunch of friends decided to make a movie, but shouldn't have.

I was DEFINITELY NOT watching the same movie as the other reviewers.

[joeshmoe-53056 · 2/10 · 1 May 2023]

WOW. Poorly told horror story with predictable twists and exceptionally dumb characters.

The character development was so poor that within the first half of the movie, I lost all interest and didn't care if any of them lived or died.

==================== SPOILER =======================

Regardless of whether the characters believed the stories they were being told, they should have realized much earlier than they did, that there might be some truth to them.

Dylan had already heard Tom's voice in the forest and discovered later that it wasn't him. So he should have realized there was some merit to Roger's story.

After being told the story by Roger, Tom heard Ashley's voice in the forest then later saw her back and the fire pit.

The fact that neither of them put the pieces together demonstrated the magnitude of their stupidity.

I was actually glad that none of them survived.

Hard pass

[Slurpyy · 1/10 · 11 April 2023]

There's indie films, and then there's whatever this is. I've googled DBS Films and I'm aware of how they operate. You'd think the whole "casting your fans" for EVERY ROLE is a bit of a misstep, but they keep doing it and it has not worked and it will probably never work. The writing is 3rd grade level and the acting is somehow worse than Tommy Wiseau's "The Room" but it isn't even bad in a funny way, it's just bad. The most remarkable part of this movie is that Amazon allowed them to price it at $5, which is $5 too much. Do yourself a favor and listen to me: Save your time, save your money, the correct rating for this movie is 1/10, not the absurd high rating it currently has.

Trash

[mwyelverton · 1/10 · 10 May 2023]

I can only hope my $5 rental was the only copy available and no other human will have to ever see this (this would be a better plot than this movie, even as a sequel to The Ring). Clearly I was the only one who actually watched it because there's a bunch of reviews insinuating it's watchable and not a complete hot pile of garbage. The actors all say the lines like they're reading them for the first time and have no idea what is going on. The one exception is the southern hillbilly redneck moonshiner (they couldn't decide on a stereotype), he was actually good. When the budget is so low you have to make a fake deck of cards out of printer paper, just don't make the movie.

Unwatchable

[jbookwalter · 1/10 · 5 May 2023]

I have a feeling that all the great reviews for this terrible movie were made by friends of the film crew/studio, or the actors parents. Just don't watch it. It's not scary, there's no jump scares, the acting is terrible, the plot has a thousand holes, and the set makes do sense. Is it a cabin or a house? Are they in the woods or a jungle? And I think the "skinwalker" is just a guy in a mask that jumps in front of the camera from time to time. There now you don't have to see it.

The studio seems to just hire fans to be in their films, which explains a lot. I like this idea in theory, but what I don't like is those same actors seemingly reviewing their movies and saying things that just aren't true. That to me is lying and now I'm out $5 and 75 minutes of my life.

They tried......

[coreyjbowers-67759 · 2/10 · 21 May 2023]

Ashley is the lone decent spot in this film. I'm frustrated that I rented this movie based off all the 8, 9, & 10 ratings on IMDb. The biased reviews shouldn't be allowed on this platform.

The way it was directed and put together really was disappointing. The plot and storyline had potential. The acting was rough to watch and cringy.

Basically if you do watch this film expect a budget amateur film and appreciate their enthusiasm in making the film. There is alot of room for improvement and I hope the improve the audio & editing in future movies. In the script writing please try to explain they why questions. Why does this thing want to kill?! Just because?

Everyone who dies in this film deserved it

[tayloralanj · 1/10 · 15 April 2023]

Multiple Darwin Award winners in this flick. This makes going down into a dark basement seem trivial. Let's all split up and waltz around the forest we were just told was inhabited by La Chupacabra. The prince of Gen Z also dies, sadly, a virgin. I actually thought Tracy was going to give it up to him.

Have you seen Blair Witch? This one is similar but not really. At least with Blair Witch I left the movie theater with some nausea and dizziness. This one just helped me fall asleep kn the couch at 330pm, and no snot bubbles to lament about. Not even based loosely on real events. It was not difficult providing one star, at least it was free, thanks Tubi!

Great Concept and Great Execution

[tkongdragon · 9/10 · 31 March 2023]

Once again knocking it out the park with another hit. I love the shapeshifter concept and the character of Roger is the definite highlight. I only wish we saw more of the actual monster itself, the pacing itself wasn't bad. Although not as fx heavy as the others, the production value here seems to be getting more and more higher within each film DBS has produced and it shows here. Love that this film doesn't take itself too serious but doesn't treat it as a spoof either, nice blend and contrast of tones. The sfx that is prevalent throughout is well crafter and excellently done. The soundtrack also adds greatly to the atmosphere. All in all a good time and more importantly a good watch!

Solid Indie Film

[crazyblondenerd · 7/10 · 31 March 2023]

Overall Forest of Death was a solid indie horror film. It had good cinematography, music, makeup, acting, etcetera. I just thought it was well done overall. Though, with any movie there were downsides. I thought that there was too much "downtime" with nothing really happening, just music montage-type scenes. One scene would have been fine, but it just seemed like a filer. I also wish we saw more of the monster's true form, we are given brief glimpses of it, and it looks great, but I just wish there was more of it. Other than that, I enjoyed it and can't wait for the release of their next project.

DBS Films Is A Cult

[traveltramp · 2/10 · 12 October 2023]

Clearly the majority of these reviews are planted by people involved with DBS Films. How do I know this? Because they keep mentioning DBS Films. Unless it's Blumhouse or A24, most people don't know what production company made what they just watched. Yet 75% of the rave reviews mention DBS Films. (They also mention "good acting" and "fast-paced", and neither of those things are in evidence.) DBS Films is "fan-driven", which means a whole bunch of people who have no concept of how to make horror films are treated as "quality monitors" in the process of making these films. Because these people are given a little "ownership" of these generic projects - oh, the number of films they have done with "Forest" or "Haunting" in the title! - they feel they have a stake in its outcome, which causes them to rush to sites like this to gush over whatever dreck they "made happen". What is this supposed to accomplish? Will horror fans see a garbage movie and be fooled by these reviews? Of course not. The only things these reviews have done is make this horror fan remember the name DBS Films so I know to never watch one of their amateurish movies again.

Terrible Acting, Weak Script, Don't Waste Your Time.

[gatsby601 · 1/10 · 8 October 2023]

Forest of Death is a no budget 'horror' about four teens being stalked by a shapeshifter in the woods. So, what to say? A cast of ameteurs monotone their way through a script that needs no fewer then 3 party montages to help pad the run time. The monster, which kills ruthlessly during the opening teaser, takes forever to do anything for the rest of the movie. I can only assume the high reviews come from family and friends of the cast and crew because Forest of Death fails to work on any level. To defend a film like this by saying it's a low budget movie ignores the fact that The Blair Witch Project was also a low budget movie that was roughly 1000% more effective then weak piece of noise.

Thanks, I hate it

[mommylady · 1/10 · 23 August 2023]

If I could give it negative stars I would. This was horrible. Horrible characters, horrible acting, horrible timing, horrible pacing, horrible dialogue, horrible decisions made by the horrible characters. I'm so annoyed I watched it all the way through.

If I ever see the name Brendan Rudnicki on a movie again I'll know to stay far, far away. Don't even bother with this nonsense. By the end I was telling every one of them that they deserved what they got. To me, it's not exactly a good sign if you're rooting for every single character to die by the end of a movie so it will just end and the torment will be over. Cannot recommend even a little.

Fun in Unexpected Ways

[stevenhorr · 4/10 · 1 January 2024]

Joe rents a cabin to some young adults: an established couple and two tag-alongs that are obviously a "potential" couple. Joe's redneck son is found walking around out in the forest in the middle of the night, just feet away from a skin-walker, because his family has had livestock go missing. He lives half an hour away by car. Also, it is later revealed that a previous guest had been killed renting this same cabin in the past, but this is the first time it is being rented, according to its owner. A character brushes off the fact that his friend was in two places at once, even after Joe's son explains to him about the skin-walker! He still wants to stay and smoke blunts and drink beer non-stop, even though there is a "Winnebago" in the woods (that line got a hearty laugh out of me).

One cannot come into this with the same expectations one has for a reputedly scary movie, or even a horror comedy. Perhaps view it as a low-budget movie that your buddy from art school made. That's kind of what it felt like. I laughed a lot. Therefore, I had quite a bit of fun watching it. But surely not in ways intended.

Is This a Comedy?

[arfdawg-1 · 1/10 · 9 November 2023]

If this wasn't written, acted and directed as a comedy, it's the worst movie ever made. Worse than anything Ed Wood, Jr. Ever made.

Literally from the very first 15 seconds you know this movie is a train wreck. The acting is sub par. Like grammar school school level. These "actors" cannot act thir way out of a paper bag.

The story is plainly mornonic. It makes no sense whatsoever. The dialog is just dismal.

To be honest, I only stuck with it to see if the hot blonde took has clothes off.

The direction is completely and totally amateurish. Even the title is idiotic, since the shapeshifter is in the cabin from the movie's start.

Don't bother. It's horrible.

Great movie

[kailynwill-66227 · 10/10 · 31 March 2023]

I loved the movie. Its pacing is decent and story line flows well. This movie was made by its audience members and movie enthusiasts and for its audience and movie enthusiasts. It's definitely helping people generate more opportunities to do what they love and it shows with the productions I've seen. They have a love and drive for a better movie making experience in a healthier way, even with it being horror based now. Hopefully we can see them expand beyond horror and to romance or sci fi. I've been following the company's movies on a different platform and have gotten updates along the way of how it's coming along. As an audience member as well as someone who wants to be involved in entertainment it's great to see a movie blossoms from writing to on screen and between. The actors did very well and hair and makeup/ special effects and camera crew did amazing. Can't wait to watch the next one! This movie is a great Friday night fright flick!

Not Bad

[rosecreeper · 6/10 · 31 March 2023]

Forest of Death has to be one of the better films DBS has produced. Something about the cinematography was my favorite part of the movie. The setting of the film looked beautiful. The acting was decent; some lines were clunky so the delivery could have been better. But that didn't take away from the story. You may have seen the story before but you should still watch it. It's always fun to see new takes on stories you know. And this film wasn't a bad take at all. There were some moments when the editing seemed a bit weird, but they happened so fast I don't believe most people will catch it. The movie is just barely longer than an hour, and what else are you going to be doing with your time? If you don't mind B movies supporting new actors, writers, and hell film studios, please check this out-a good watch.

A new take on an old legend.

[keshabarrett · 9/10 · 1 April 2023]

I seriously loved watching this movie and it's certainly a movie I'd watch multiple times! I love this take on a legend that has been told over so much time getting a fresh take with a different type of look for the creature! I told my friends, family, and coworkers about this movie. I thought that the build up to the creature was really well done and being able to see what the creature can do in the beginning of the movie really added to the anticipation of what they would get into as they spend their own time in the cabin!!. It's an amazing movie and I'm glad it came from an indie studio <3.

DBS keeps improving and this one is a must watch

[ashaleehatfield-360-892794 · 7/10 · 31 March 2023]

DBS Films may make indie horror movies but they are fun and entertaining to watch. They keep growing and learning with everyovie. They are definitely a studio to keep and eye on. I also love the fact that they cast fans from their discord to be in the movies, such and amazing idea. This one is definitely there best yet! Can't go wrong with a creepy forest setting, dumb 20 year olds and a sketching redneck. Fun story, fun atmosphere, fun creature, this one gives me the 80s vibe for a horror movie. Roger may be my absolute favorite character!

Check out DBSfilms on discord

Give it a watch and leave a review.

Really well put together

[riniblue · 8/10 · 31 March 2023]

I'm extremely picky on horror movies, but I really enjoyed this one. The pacing was well done. The acting wasn't half bad considering it's a newer studio all in all I love how it played out. I really enjoyed the concept of the story and it does pretty decent at building up the suspense. You can tell a lot of love was put into this by those who worked on it, and that goes a long way when it comes to movies not enough people hold a passion for what they make like DBS films does. Just by watching this you can tell they put a lot into their films and I can't wait to watch the next one that they come out with.

Good for what it is

[Pipkiller94 · 7/10 · 1 April 2023]

This was my first DBS Film, and in all honesty, I had a good time. Did I have my problems with it, sure. But to be fair I have issues with almost everything I watch. There are definitely things I would have done differently, and because of the slower pacing I don't know how much focus I would've been able to maintain if I tried to watch it by myself, mainly because of my own attention span issues, watching it with friends was an enjoyable experience. Would I make changes? Yes. Would I recommend this movie to people? Also yes. Only "major" complaint if I had to make one would be that sometimes the characters ignore information they've been given and make decisions that us as the viewer look at as stereotypical horror trope decisions, something I wouldn't mind seeing less of. Hoping in the future (or in other DBS movies I just haven't seen yet) they decide to make characters do smart, "non-typical" things, even if those things don't work the way they want to. Failure on the good guys part is never a problem, but "stupidity" just makes me cheer for the bad guy.

Great for movie night!

[sylerraine · 10/10 · 1 April 2023]

The camera work gives it a very intimate feel. The small cast also adds to feel. There is plenty of time given to character development. If you are willing to immerse yourself, Forest of Death is a highly engaging experience. Classic film techniques like the music-video-esque montage that bring a sense of nostalgia. At times you forget you're watching a horror film and that is the great subtlety of this movie. The underlying plot comes creeping back in to remind you to stay on your toes. You're not quite sure what's going to come from one scene to the next. The level of anticipation that should be a staple in horror films, not the cheesy over-used constant jump scare, but just enough to not let you forget what you got yourself into.

A solid indie of suspense

[sinsiwrite · 7/10 · 31 March 2023]

This independent horror movie surprised me in a good way... A passion project by two movie lovers create a solid love note to the 80s horror genre. Though its not perfect, it has a charm of that indie movie style most filmmakers love.

A solid story, some well paced footage and a monster in the woods. I overall enjoyed it.

What i loved about the film The character of Roger, which i believe will be a fan favorite, was well executed as a southern smartass hornball with some funny one liners. His camp fire scene was great.

What i disliked Too many montages, and i wanted more gore and more violence. There's never too much blood in a horror movie...

But the important thing is, is that they left me wanting more so im looking forward to more projects created by DBS films.