Written and Directed by Ben Wheatley
Starring Joel Fry, Reece Shearsmith, Hayley Squires
Rated R for strong violent content, grisly images, and language
Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
In theaters April 16

by Victoria Potenza, Staff Writer

The novelty of pandemic cinema has more than likely worn off for many of us who have been keeping up with it. While some pieces are used the opportunity to create some interesting stories others have simply reminded us of the situation that we are currently in, a situation that many of us would prefer to get some sort of escape from. While some might find Ben Wheatley’s new film In the Earth to be an unwelcome reminder, I found that Wheatley worked through some essential anxieties that many of us are also working through. His new picture is an interesting entry into the folk horror subgenre and one that has left me with much to ponder in regards to humans and our stake in the earth.

In the Earth takes place in a reality not dissimilar from our own. In this world the human population has been ravaged by a dangerous virus that has caused many to get sick, die, or has forced them to quarantine. During all of this a man named Martin (Joel Fry) comes to the woods in order to search for his colleague Olivia (Hayley Squires) who has been out of communication for some time. He is accompanied by a park ranger Alma (Ellora Torchia) to search for her and hopefully assist in the research that is somehow essential to solving the problems the world has suffered. However their task is not so easy. The two are met with strange encounters and are uncertain if their problems are supernatural or caused by other people in the woods. It seems that some force is drawing them all to this spot. They were drawn to live on the land, and the land may not want them to leave.

Ben Wheatley has proven himself to be a fascinating director and has already had several films tap into the folk horror realm, several of which were mentioned in the documentary released this year by Kier-La Janisse, Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History on Folk Horror. His films A Field in England and Kill List both tap into these elements at times, but In the Earth feels like his first real deep dive into this subject matter and with the state of our society it feels like the perfect medium to explore some of these deeper worries and anxieties. The pandemic in many ways has made the cracks in our society more noticeable. So much seems to be coming to the surface for us to deal with; social justice, racism, the environment, healthcare, etc. There is a more palpable sense of urgency and that seems to be what Wheatley is tapping into. His film brings up questions about what can truly save us? Is it modern science, is it long forgotten superstitions and rituals, or is it some combination of these things.

This is a difficult film to try and describe mostly because Wheatley films seem to have a dreamlike kind of feel and the more I attempt to grasp at it the farther away I get. As our society has “evolved” over the years there is much that humanity has gained and many of us have forgotten what we have lossed. There was once a reverence for the land and nature that has long been forgotten through the “progression” of our society but nature has a way of making itself known and showing its displeasure. Wheatley explores these ideas of respecting and fearing the land and giving it the respect it does, or else we will all face the consequences. Early on in the film the characters discuss the idea of the “Spirit of the Woods” one who tows the line of playful and terrifying, a contradiction perhaps, but one that early settlers understood and did not try to rationalize. These ideas are particularly chilling because they feel so tied to reality especially as we see the scary effects of global warming. Wheatley creates a film that successfully makes one fear and respect the land we are on, something that might be essential to our survival. While these ideas might seem dark and strange it also taps into much of the muck we have all been wading around in for so long. It also makes a point about how interconnected societal and environmental issues are even when we cannot see it.

It often feels that Wheatley films get a little boring or meandering as they go along, but at the same time he casts a spell on his viewers that entrance them so they cannot look away. It is one of the things I find most interesting about this particular director. His films do not alway seem to have the answers by the time we get to the end but there is so much raw emotion to be felt through them that logical and tangible answers seem less important, it is more about what is pulled forth within each viewer. This film feels like a combination of Annihilation and his 2013 film, A Field in England. He likes to go to some scary trippy places and I am always willing to join him on the ride. The lush greens of the land mixed in with his terrifying imagery put you on edge as you embrace the beauty which makes this a fascinating and unique viewing experience.

Wheatley’s small but impactful cast seem to know exactly what kind of film this is, many of them having worked with Wheatley on past projects. There is a bizarre sense of humor to this film that makes it all the more entertaining and terrifying. Reece Shearsmith who plays Zach in the film also starred in A Field in England. His comedy background makes him an interesting choice for his complex character. He is the thing of nightmares and also utterly enjoyable to watch. While all of the performances of the film are really great he is such a stand out performer. Another one of the films many strong suits is the score by Clint Mansell (Black Swan, Moon). It is synthe filled nightmare fuel and elevates this atmospheric and bizarre story.

At one point in the film one of the leads utters “your world is sleeping” an accurate and terrifying observation that points a finger at its audience and reminds them that they are perhaps not fully aware of all the forces around them. This sentiment is one that I have not stopped thinking about since watching the film. Wheatley has added a fascinating entry into the horror genre and is sure to give folks plenty to think on, if they are willing to wake themselves up a bit.