The Lost Tree (2015)

I was a hopeless film addict for years. I would watch anything and could always justify my penchant for low-budget and poor quality products by finding some kernel of redeemability in even the most tawdry production. Viewing this film along with The 5th Passenger (thanks to the Redbox) was the equivalent of reaching rock bottom; like mortgaging one's house for a poker hand or being sodomized behind a dumpster for a half-gram of heroin. I could no longer fathom continuing down the reckless path of film consumption. Even the peripheral view of a production company logo or the briefest flash of a title card will send me into violent paroxysms. I can attribute my newly discovered film-free lifestyle to the hundreds of fake accounts created on this once reputable website that falsely inflate the rating of terrible productions. Your work does not go unappreciated. I'm certain that your duplicitous actions, fully aided and abetted by the very people who own and operate this bastion of cinematic knowledge can help others as you did me in my quest to extinguish a lifelong passion for film.

I had no clue what this indie movie was about or anything. But after watching it, I fell in was really surprised. I kept thinking about the film throughout the day. But what really got to me was the feeling I had going to bed. It just kept sticking with me. What I enjoyed most is this film goes for the creepiness under your skin, not the super quick shocks that alot of movies have today. It was more of a slow burn than anything. The camera direction was nicely done. The shots were gorgeous. Some of the scenes such as the lakebed scene are breathtaking. There are some dark shots that were grainy but it didn't really bother me because I was invested in the characters. It won't be everyone's cup of tea though. Sometimes the acting seems a little funky. There were a surprisingly large amount of effects in this indie film. They were pretty good for the most part. I was happy that the filmmakers went for a climatic ending. The music is very haunting and beautiful throughout. I wish I could get a soundtrack of it to just listen to in the car. Pacing started out very slow and calm, but by the third act, it was moving very fast. The director, Brain Metcalf managed to keep the film interesting while focusing largely on only one character by showing lots of different environments and lots of creepy things happening.I give the film 9 out of 10 stars.

This film is not perfect but it kept my interests the entire time. The feeling that this movie made me feel was a feeling of sadness, fear, mystery. It kept me interest throughout. The acting was fairly decent with a special nod to Scott Grimes for his comical relief. That's not to say the film didn't have it's problems. There were budgetary restraints but that said, the effects in this film were pretty good. There were some sound issues as well. The third act is very good as the pace goes from slow to very fast. Overall, I enjoyed this film.

This movie is a warm, steaming pile of poo. The acting is pathetic. Parts of the dialogue are obviously ADR and sound like they were recorded in a tin can. The special effects are bad even for a B movie. Michael Madsen and Lacey Chabert should be embarrassed for having anything to do with this disaster. I'm just glad it was only $2.99.