'A Stranger in the Woods' Review: A Smart, Slow-Burning Take on Found Footage Horror
- Romey Norton
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
By Romey Norton - August 26, 2025
Independent horror thrives when it involves quiet dread, raw atmosphere, and ambiguous encounters that keep audiences uneasy. A Stranger in the Woods, directed by József Gallai, is a found-footage-style thriller that uses the simplicity of its premise: a woman meets a reclusive man in the forest. What could possibly go wrong?
The film leans heavily into the aesthetics of documentary and found footage, but not in the shaky, chaotic sense that audiences might expect. Instead, the camera often feels still and watchful. The use of phone recordings, interview segments, and atmospheric sound cues adds texture, immersing viewers in an eerie realism. Similar to films like The Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield, you can be part of the chaos with this filming style.
A Stranger in the Woods resists the urge to rely on cheap scares. Instead, silence, long pauses, and the natural sounds of the forest create a subtle pressure that gradually builds into something unsettling. This slower approach might test the patience of viewers seeking gore or jump scares (until the very end), but it rewards those who appreciate psychological tension.
The horror doesn’t come from elaborate effects but from the unnerving dynamic between two characters. Laura Ellen Wilson plays Edith, a film student whose curiosity leads her into the woods to interview a recluse of a man for her film. Wilson brings a natural, grounded energy to her role, making Edith sympathetic but never naïve.
Then there’s Bill Oberst Jr. as Victor, the creepy recluse who gives the film its uneasy center. Oberst delivers a performance of unnerving subtlety: at first awkward, slightly comedic (from being uncomfortable) before shifting toward something more unpredictable and menacing. His portrayal avoids caricature, making Victor’s presence both magnetic and disturbing. Honestly, I loved his character and performance; so natural, it’s as if you’re watching a documentary.
He’s the character you’re watching for - there’s a nice monologue from Edith, but I almost didn’t care, because I wanted to watch and learn more about Victor. But it’s a nice character-building moment, and helps their connection grow.
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. Certain narrative choices, particularly detours into law enforcement and procedural angles, feel somewhat disconnected from the central story. These moments break the intimacy that the film works so hard to establish. Similarly, the ending comes on too quickly and is predictable, rushing through emotional beats that deserved more time to breathe.
Is A Stranger in the Woods worth watching?
Despite these quibbles, A Stranger in the Woods stands out as a smart, slow-burning take on found footage horror. It’s a character-driven thriller that builds fear through the unknown and what could happen. Safe to say, stranger danger is very relevant here, and the lesson is not to ever film alone.
For fans of psychological horror, found footage experiments, or minimalist thrillers that prioritise mood over spectacle, this film is a fascinating watch. It may not satisfy everyone, but it certainly leaves a mark.
Looking for more indie horror reviews and festival finds? Head over to Film Focus Online for the latest reviews, features, and recommendations.
