Random Thoughts on ‘The Unraveling’

Directed by: Thomas Jakobsen

Cast: Zack Gold, Jason Tobias, Bennett Viso

A surprise bachelor party leads our protagonists to a rural region, it’s a perfect camping area, and initially, it seems as though we’re perfect camping makes for the initial focus of The Unraveling. But this is a horror film, so you know the boozing it up and sharing old memories won’t last long. Especially not for this handful who have opted to camp out in No Man’s Land. All that said, the movie does start on a promising note, it’s just the rapid spiral that catches us off guard, as hell begins to break loose early and often.

As for the story, or what I care to share of it, it’s all about Michael, a 20-something addicted to heroin who does the wrong guy dirty. But he doesn’t stick around very long after pulling his little heist, he’s, as already mentioned, gotten himself out of dodge with the help of his buddies. But can putting distance between a thief and an enraged drug lord do much for anyone involved?

One by one these campers disappear. Apparently their foes channel the ways of the stealth ninja because these guys strike hard and fast. One moment we’re watching a character mid-dialogue, then they’re being pulled off screen in record time. And this is the process of the film. While it could have easily become a repetitive mess, it maintains an element of freshness that ensures our attention remain fixed to the screen.

While very few of these performers have established themselves in the business, we still get a handful of very spirited performances from a varied gathering of personalities. Thomas Jakobsen wanted to lend authenticity to his ensemble, and that’s precisely what he’s done. It’s a miracle no one drops the ball, but every now and then we do indeed see miracles happen.

Fast-paced, relentless and often bone chilling, The Unraveling proves to be a well-layered picture with a trio of conflicts to examine, all of which are a direct result of Michael’s poor decision making. He’s a junkie, something he eventually freely admits to, and the need for dope alters his reality in a horrifying way. But he and his friends will soon learn the truth of the trip.

I like the look of the film. It’s clean, and it’s sharp. The editing is solid, as well. The truth is, I think if I’m nitpicking, I’m aiming any complaints in the direction of the final scene, which wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for. It may work for you, it just didn’t do it for me. All in all, questionable finale included, I’ve got to call this one as I see it: The Unraveling is a solid, fun, killer in the woods work. Throwback fans should be seeking the film out.