Don’t go to Inverness. Because according to Dark Nature’s blurb, the entire area is inhospitable for mankind. Even worse, there’s a crazy murderer on the loose in the hills, with Emily and her family facing an evil killer who threatens to turn them all into chopped haggis in this stupid adventure based somewhere you’ll never go in Scotland.
Another road trip holiday disaster flick, a small family come to get away from the city life by taking themselves and their tourist money to the faraway land beyond Hadrian’s Wall. The overbearing mother clashing with her hooligan daughter while their oblivious father looks on (or just doesn’t give a shit) doesn’t make for such a bad start, and the music is intriguing well produced.
With somewhat interestingly educational elements – such as the species of moth which has evolved through natural selection to adapt specifically to human cities, and a forgotten piece of history wherein Americans accidentally invaded Scotland – and the playful scenes of mysterious yet tempting nonsense, there’s an attempt to build some form of appeal here. The scene of crawling insects in jars is especially creepy and perhaps its best.
The audio work itself alone is surprisingly good, and a refreshing break from the choice of sterile industrial soundtracks and drab pop music, as there’s a fascination with nature here which goes beyond the simple title. Filled with countryside life, the soft and weepy soundtrack sings behind the cackling of crows, singing of gulls and crunching of boots against leaves, and occasionally an ominous siren screaming in the distance.
It doesn’t help itself to be so unbelievably dull and meandering. Sloppy cameras, unambitious acting and an unconvincing story make for really tiresome viewing, with the attempt at a Lynchian fragmented structure falling completely flat on its face. Sure, this may be a young director, fair enough, but shit films will not help your new career.
2/10
Possession Media 