When approaching a found footage horror film with very minimal casting, I need that “oomph” via a strong storyline, dynamic characters and abbreviated strategy to contain my interest.

A Stranger in the Woods hit every element and then some.  

Edith (Laura Ellen Wilson) is an eager and somewhat bubbly student filmmaker who takes an assignment through her tutor Gregory, to spend time off the grid by interviewing an elderly man, Victor (Bill Oberst Jr.) in his small, secluded home in the woods.

Victor is shy, anti-social and subsequently odd as fuck. He greets Edith with a rather off-color quip when asked if Victor is available, by responding no “Victor died a while ago” and retreats back into his safe space. While Edith is now frustrated and put off by this stranger’s prank, she is able to quickly accept his trite anecdotes, when he returns with a sly chuckle and harmless manner. Just what has Edith agreed to by staying with this unusual character?  

Upon acclimating to her new surroundings, Edith notices some out of sorts living regime such as an empty fridge, cold/strong ‘undrinkable’ coffee and Victor’s tendencies to rummage through the woods in the middle of the night. It’s eerie, extremely creepy and oh-so fun to follow!  

During her interview process, Edith taps into some difficult areas of Victor’s past where he shares only a certain amount of detail such as his wife’s untimely death, his life as a taxi driver, and his retreat away from society as he finds it uncomfortable to try fitting in, when he clearly adapts better to a private life away from others. And just when they both succumb to a mutual understanding, Victor asks to switch roles so he can interview Edith.  

Thus is the turning point for Victor as he points out an intruder who returns often to his property, his very little-to-no appetite, and eventually, a pension for losing his temper without warning. Through several police recordings previously dispatched, Edith shares these concerns with her Nana while deciding whether to continue this project or bail out immediately.

The tension between the two captivating leads builds to a deliciously scary level that borders between terror and kindness. And as we watch the curious behavior from host Victor escalate, we still want to push Edith to continue this phenomenal ride of fright until the final twist is revealed. A Stranger in the Woods is intense, unnerving and heart thumping. Sit back and watch this tragic tale turn its page with superb gratification. You’ll love settling into an unsettling situation.