The Forest (2016)

Overview

The Forest is a supernatural horror film released in 2016, directed by Jason Zada and starring Natalie Dormer in dual roles. Set in Japan’s infamous Aokigahara Forest—also known as the "Suicide Forest"—the movie explores themes of grief, guilt, and spiritual unrest. With its eerie atmosphere and psychological undertones, The Forest blends Eastern folklore with Western horror sensibilities.

Plot Summary

Sara Price, an American woman, travels to Japan after learning that her twin sister Jess has mysteriously disappeared near Mount Fuji. Authorities believe Jess may have entered Aokigahara Forest, a real-world location associated with numerous suicides. Refusing to believe her sister is dead, Sara ventures into the forest with the help of a journalist, Aiden.

As they explore deeper, Sara is warned not to trust what she sees—because the forest plays tricks on the mind. Haunted by personal trauma and terrifying apparitions, Sara begins to unravel mentally as supernatural forces prey on her emotional vulnerabilities. What follows is a harrowing descent into both the physical and psychological unknown.

Main Cast

• Natalie Dormer as Sara Price / Jess Price

• Taylor Kinney as Aiden

• Yukiyoshi Ozawa as Michi

• Eoin Macken as Rob

Themes

• The psychic bond between twins

• Guilt, loss, and unresolved trauma

• Cultural clashes in beliefs about death and the afterlife

• Nature as a reflection of psychological fear

Style & Atmosphere

• Utilizes the real-world legends of Aokigahara to build dread

• Relies heavily on psychological horror and jump scares

• Cinematography features misty woods, eerie quiet, and spiritual disorientation

• Mixes Western horror conventions with Japanese mythological elements

Reception

• Critical Response: Mostly negative. Critics pointed to a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters, though some praised Dormer’s performance and the setting’s atmospheric potential.

• Audience Reaction: Mixed. Horror fans found the premise intriguing but were disappointed by the execution.

• Box Office: Moderate success; earned over $37 million worldwide against a $10 million budget.

Final Verdict

The Forest is a haunting thriller that starts with a fascinating premise but ultimately follows a conventional path. While it doesn’t fully tap into the psychological terror it promises, its eerie setting and emotional themes make it a decent choice for fans of slow-burn supernatural horror.