Missing In Greenwood

Missing in Greenwood is a thrilling and dramatic 2020 horror comedy film featuring Jeff Casserly, Bernie Coen, and Michael Corcoran that blends dark humor with the eerie setting of an isolated Irish woodland.

The film opens with three friends, Tom, Paddy, and Jonny, portrayed by Jeff Casserly, Bernie Coen, and Michael Corcoran, respectively. Together, they decide to take a weekend getaway to Greenwood forest, intending to indulge in numerous lad's activities and, more importantly, to "get away from it all." However, unbeknownst to them, they are entering a world of unforeseen terror and chaos. Tom is onto a sinister secret as he’s tasked to do an early age surprise, a baby gender reveal for Jonny.

Shot in an amateur, found-footage style on a hand-held camera, the plot unfolds entirely from our central characters' perspective as they navigate the seemingly tranquil yet sinister beauty of the Greenwood forest. This technique brings a sense of realism and immediacy to the eerie journey the friends are embarking on, highlighting the raw fear and uncanniness wrapped in unexpected humor of their situation. Audience experience the gripping narrative full of humor, tension, suspense, and horror as it happens.

As the eerie night in Greenwood approaches, the elements of horror gradually weave themselves into the narrative, and the forest's peaceful façade begins to crumble. The friends start to realize that they are not alone in the woods; they begin to notice unusual happenings that hint at a sinister presence lurking. Unusual sounds, mysterious shadows, and escalating paranoia accompany them, unsettling both the characters and viewers alike. These spine-chilling elements keep the audience on the edge of their seats as the plot spirals into a maze of darkness and dread, disrupted with comic relief.

Jeff Casserly, Bernie Coen, and Michael Corcoran's performances as the three friends are praise-worthy. Casserly's nuanced performance as Tom capably evolves from nonchalant to fearful as the plot advances. Bernie Coen's character, Paddy, despite his laid-back personality, showcases a believable shift into terror, while Michael Corcoran convincingly plays Jonny, the care-free friend whose life-altering surprise turns into a nightmarish experience.

Missing in Greenwood delves into the realms of terror, but it does not fail to offer doses of comic relief for viewers. The screenplay is brilliantly written, balancing the horror and comedy to prevent it from becoming overly dark or grim. The comedic elements are rooted deeply within the film's characters, effectively countering the horror-filled set pieces with humorous dialogue and well-timed gags.

Taken by Bernie Coen himself, the film's cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the natural beauty of the forest while also reflecting the ominous undertones the Greenwood holds. The careful and strategic use of the hand-held camera technique in the film adds a layer of realism to the narrative, providing a hauntingly immersive experience to the audiences.

The sound design and background score of Missing In Greenwood are integral to the film’s atmosphere. Drawing a clever mix of dread and humor, the music accompanying the narrative ebbs and flows with the tone of the scenes, heightening the suspense when needed and breaking the tension with lighter notes.

In conclusion, Missing in Greenwood is a distinctively chilling and entertaining horror-comedy film that masterfully combines the escalating terror of a horror movie with the enjoyable absurdity of a lad's holiday gone wrong. With outstanding performances from Jeff Casserly, Bernie Coen, and Michael Corcoran, striking directorial style, and a clever blend of comedy and horror, the film is bound to entertain audiences who are looking for a mix of humor and jump scares.