The biggest question facing films where some enigmatic threat perpetually looms just outside of the frame is how much to show. For every Blair Witch Project or Jaws that skilfully withholds the source of its terror with the understanding that viewer's imaginations are capable of conjuring visions far scarier than any special effects or monster make-up, there are plenty of others, like the Canadian thriller Man Vs., that struggle to deliver on their promise and inevitably end up being a little more sizzle than steak.
The premise intrigues from the outset, with the makers of wilderness survival reality show Man Vs. trekking up to a remote area of Northern Ontario to begin filming their third season. As if living alone in the harsh conditions of the wild for five days wasn't enough for the show's star, Doug (Chris Diamantopoulos), a lot of pressure is being put on him by the crew because of a potential big network deal that has everyone abuzz.
It's initially business as usual for Doug, as he builds a shelter, makes a fire and sets some deadfall traps to catch rabbits to eat. But he's soon awakened in the middle of the night by a loud noise shaking the ground and discovers the next day a small lake filled with dead fish where it looks like something has crashed. The situation only worsens when he's unable to communicate with his team via satellite phone, and it gradually becomes clear that he might be dealing with something far more cunning and deadly than the wolves he initially suspects as his predators.
With the whole movie resting on his shoulders, Diamantopoulos keeps things grounded in reality as these strange occurrences start happening all around him. The home-grown actor, last seen hilariously trying to maintain his billionaire status in season two of Silicon Valley, effectively portrays a seasoned survivalist who slowly comes undone at the seams to reveal a devoted father and husband desperately wanting to get home to his family. Sure, he spends more time talking to himself and his cameras than someone legitimately might under the circumstances, but it's a necessary device that lets us know what's going on in his head.
Though the film's slow burn is bound to frustrate anxious viewers awaiting an explanation for what's terrorizing Doug, the palpable tension created by its mystery makes for a smart and economical approach by director Adam Massey and screenwriter Thomas Michael. Unfortunately, the film ultimately falters when it eventually gets around to the big reveal of what's been surreptitiously stalking Doug, as a canny exploitation of the natural fear of what unknown entity lurking menacingly in the woods gives way to a lacklustre sci-fi creature feature that doesn't quite know when to quit.
(eOne)The premise intrigues from the outset, with the makers of wilderness survival reality show Man Vs. trekking up to a remote area of Northern Ontario to begin filming their third season. As if living alone in the harsh conditions of the wild for five days wasn't enough for the show's star, Doug (Chris Diamantopoulos), a lot of pressure is being put on him by the crew because of a potential big network deal that has everyone abuzz.
It's initially business as usual for Doug, as he builds a shelter, makes a fire and sets some deadfall traps to catch rabbits to eat. But he's soon awakened in the middle of the night by a loud noise shaking the ground and discovers the next day a small lake filled with dead fish where it looks like something has crashed. The situation only worsens when he's unable to communicate with his team via satellite phone, and it gradually becomes clear that he might be dealing with something far more cunning and deadly than the wolves he initially suspects as his predators.
With the whole movie resting on his shoulders, Diamantopoulos keeps things grounded in reality as these strange occurrences start happening all around him. The home-grown actor, last seen hilariously trying to maintain his billionaire status in season two of Silicon Valley, effectively portrays a seasoned survivalist who slowly comes undone at the seams to reveal a devoted father and husband desperately wanting to get home to his family. Sure, he spends more time talking to himself and his cameras than someone legitimately might under the circumstances, but it's a necessary device that lets us know what's going on in his head.
Though the film's slow burn is bound to frustrate anxious viewers awaiting an explanation for what's terrorizing Doug, the palpable tension created by its mystery makes for a smart and economical approach by director Adam Massey and screenwriter Thomas Michael. Unfortunately, the film ultimately falters when it eventually gets around to the big reveal of what's been surreptitiously stalking Doug, as a canny exploitation of the natural fear of what unknown entity lurking menacingly in the woods gives way to a lacklustre sci-fi creature feature that doesn't quite know when to quit.
