Loop Track
Written and Directed by Thomas Sainsbury
Starring Thomas Sainsbury, Hayden J. Weal, Tawanda Manyimo, Kate Simmonds
Unrated
Runtime 94 minutes 
Premiered on VOD & Digital Platforms December 1st

by Tori Potenza, Staff Writer

If The Blair Witch Project taught us anything, it is that the woods can be a terrifying place. Even if there is not some evil malevolent ghost witch after you there are plenty of other terrors that could be hiding in all the dark hidden corners of the forest. Animals, poisonous plants, insects, other people, and even our minds can be a danger to us when we are so far from our creature comforts. This makes it a great location for an array of different kinds of horror movies and Thomas Sainsbury proves how unique these stories can be with his new film Loop Track. The director, writer, and star of the movie takes us on an anxiety-inducing and harrowing trek through the New Zealand bush that holds its cards very close to the chest. 

Ian (Thomas Sainsbury) is an anxious man who decides to go on a four day walk through the bush. His motives are mostly unknown but it is clear he wants to find solitude. Unfortunately for him, he is almost immediately taken in by some fellow nature and exercise enthusiasts who insist on making the journey together. As Ian tries to find a way to lose his companions who’s big personalities threaten to wreck his plans, he begins to feel a mounting fear that there is something sinister in the bush. Whether it comes from an otherworldly presence, some of the local wildlife, or from one of his fellow travelers he cannot be sure, but danger is ever present in the troubled man’s mind. 

Loop Track is effective at disorienting the audience, in a similar way as our protagonist Ian is disoriented. While we go on this journey with him we are forced to constantly question where the danger is coming from. Making us question everything we see and every new person we encounter along with him. It is an effective way to build tension and put us in the shoes of the protagonist but it also threatens to make the eventual reveal a let down. While his ultimate vision is unique and creative it does leave the audience with too much time to imagine the possibilities. There are also some plot threads that are not fully explored or explained. This may be an attempt to leave it open for interpretation and discussion after the credits roll, but overall it comes off as undercooked. Too much is left on the table and it leaves you with a lingering dissatisfaction. 

For all the time we spend with Ian and his hiking companions we never get to know them beyond surface level character tropes. So for those that like meaty character development it is a bit disappointing. There are elements of Ian’s character that would be interesting to flush out as the movie progresses. It also means that the sometimes grating and annoying side characters are not given much depth. However, the actors do a great job with what they are given. Hayden J. Weal is almost too good at being a frustratingly friendly misogynist. Tawanda Manyimo has a great screen presence and is one of the more interesting people to spend time with when we are given the opportunity. Sainsbury also does bring the perfect tone to Ian. You constantly oscillate between pity, annoyance, and suspicion the longer you spend with him. 

It would be a shame to give away where the story is going so try to go in without looking too much into the details. There are several chilling moments of tension and terror throughout the story. Much of which comes from the way shadows can play tricks on us and make us see things that may or may not be real. It forces the viewer to constantly check the peripherals of the scenes to make sure that you are not missing some terrifying detail. It is impressive how much he can do with so little in that regard. There are also impressive uses of effects in the final moments of the film. 

Overall, Loop Track has many creative elements that are admirably executed. Its effective use of setting and the ways it forces the audience to be put in uncomfortable positions along with Ian are impressive storytelling elements. It is unfortunate that the character development and loose plot threads do not feel flushed out, and the ending falls flat. But if you like anxiety inducing horror, the shadowy terrors of the forest, or a story that gives you little clues as to where it is going this is certainly worth a watch.