Arbor Demon

Arbor Demon is a 2016 horror thriller film directed by Patrick Rea. The movie, also known as "Enclosure" in some markets, stars Fiona Dourif, Kevin Ryan, and Jake Busey in prominent roles. The film seamlessly combines elements of supernatural thriller and body horror, creating a cinematic experience that's sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The plot centers around Charles (Kevin Ryan) and Dana (Fiona Dourif), a married couple seeking to relive their simpler, carefree past by deciding to go on a camping trip deep in the woods. Unbeknownst to Dana, Charles is planning this to be their last adventure-like trip as he intends to quit his perilous job as a photojournalist in war-torn regions. This romantic getaway soon turns into a hair-raising survival story; however, when they inadvertently become trapped in their tent by a mysterious and hostile force lurking in the surrounding wilderness.

Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they witness a horrifying attack by an unseen menace, an event that places them in desperate and immediate danger. Trapped in their tent and encased in an impenetrable supernatural barrier, a state of fear ensues, turning their idyllic retreat into a struggle for survival. Overpassing their emotional and psychological boundaries, each day brings them closer to their terrifying destiny as they discover the frightening truth about the supernatural terror that surrounds them.

Fiona Dourif delivers a compelling performance as Dana, the fiercely independent and brave protagonist of the film. Her nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with the threat of an unknown entity while managing a strained relationship and personal secrets adds depth to the narrative. Kevin Ryan shines as Charles, whose love for his wife pushes him to confront the faceless terror in an attempt to safeguard their lives. Jake Busey's performance contributes significantly to the film's heightened suspense, making Arbor Demon a thrilling cinematic experience.

Arbor Demon’s high points are its deceptively simple plot that capitalizes on the palpable tension and isolation experienced by the couple trapped by the unknown entity. Climbing the ladders of suspense and tension with each passing scene, the movie masterfully plays with the viewers' nerves. Also, the expert use of the cinematography is notable; the claustrophobic tent, the indifferent yet cruel wilderness outside, and the scary night scenes add much-needed drama and build up the sense of terror and foreboding.

In terms of narrative genre, Arbor Demon aligns itself with a new breed of horror films that often blur the lines between natural and supernatural. The film provides more than simply jumpscares; the tension building and atmosphere set by the director, makes this film a menacing experience. Patrick Rea, the director, is highly successful in maintaining a balance between unfolding the narrative and creating the eerie atmosphere crucial for the stories of the supernatural genre.

The movie is a mixture of various sentiments like survival, suspense, marital discord, and fear towards the unknown. These aspects are barring Dana and Charles from understanding the true nature of the supernatural being, creating spaces of relentless tension and excitement for the audience.

Overall, Arbor Demon is a suspense-driven horror-thriller that masterfully combines elements of tension, fear, and the supernatural. Its strong performances, especially by Fiona Dourif, coupled with a well-written script and eerie atmosphere, make Arbor Demon a worthwhile addition to the realm of supernatural horror films.