Get Gone

Get Gone (2019) is an American indie horror thriller directed and written by Michael Thomas Daniel that brings together a talented ensemble cast of Lin Shaye, Robert Miano, and Weston Cage. Combining elements of horror, suspense, and thriller genres, this movie chillingly crystallizes the formidable consequences when greed, deceit, and a relentless quest for power collide.

The storyline is set against the eerie backdrop of an isolated Pacific Northwest mountain range, enveloped by thick forest and perennial fog. The plot revolves around Aaron Drake or 'Bigfoot' (Weston Cage), a reclusive, misunderstood hermit with a disfigured face. Meanwhile, Alpha Logger Corporation, an unscrupulous logging company led by the cunning and opportunistic boss (Robert Miano), intends to demolish this last bastion of wilderness to pave way for its new commercial project.

Lin Shaye masterfully portrays the character of Deborah Voorhees, a passionate eco-activist who leads an environmental group named Hoax Busters. The group specializes in debunking myths of the paranormal kind, primarily focusing on cryptids such as Chupacabra, Yeti, and Bigfoot. When Deborah learns about the logging company's plan for a massive commercial deforestation, she along with her team arrives at the forest in an attempt to expose the company's illicit practices and save this natural haven from imminent destruction.

However, the group stumbles upon the secluded home of 'Bigfoot' during their investigation and unknowingly awakens an evil that had remained dormant. This unforeseen encounter triggers a series of spine-chilling events as the group finds itself caught up in a deadly cat-and-mouse game against the haunting forest's horrifying secrets, unworldly entities, and the relentless pursuit of the logging company.

The horror film explores a unique blend of real-world threats coupled with paranormal elements, skillfully infusing gritty reality with supernatural horror. It underscores the battle between environmental preservation and human greed, underlined by corporate malice. The range of characters presented offers a rich tapestry of different perspectives, each with their unique arc and complex motives. Weston Cage's depiction of 'Bigfoot' arouses empathy and intrigue, while Miano's portrayal offers a stark contrast as the personification of ruthless greed.

Lin Shaye, being a veteran horror genre actress, delivers a powerful performance that conveys her character's undying resolve to protect nature from greedy encroachments. Her on-screen interaction with Robert Miano's business mogul mirrors a contemporary David and Goliath conflict between personal profit and global sustainability, stitched together by the shared fear of the supernatural entity that lurks the forest.

Get Gone's lush cinematography does a formidable job of setting the movie's ominous atmosphere through stunning wide-angle shots of the eerily beautiful yet unforgiving forest landscape. It becomes the movie's silent character, adding essential depth into the narrative and an unpredictable threat lurking within its depths that feeds the viewers' primal fears.

The soundtracks are meticulously selected to either sublime or amplify the tension, making every moment and each sequence more riveting. The make-up and special effects deserve a special mention, successfully achieving a chilling and terrifying environment.

Michael Thomas Daniel's first directorial feature, Get Gone, genuinely hits the mark as a horror film. Through a mix of suspenseful storytelling, compelling character development, and vivid performances from the seasoned cast, it packs a paranormal punch, maintaining a gripping pace relentlessly. It is no run-of-the-mill horror flick; it entertainingly explores corporate greed, the protection of natural resources, and the devastating consequences of unleashing the supernatural, all serrated-edge storytelling and unsettling imagery.

If you are a fan of horror films that make you grip your seat and weave in important social commentary, Get Gone is well worth a watch. It is a satisfyingly eerie ride that not only offers classic horror entertainment but also raises important questions about the environment and the cost of human ambition, threaded by the unknown's inherent fear. Get Gone is more than just a horror film; it's a cautionary tale that skillfully mixes reality's horrors with the realm of supernatural terror.