Ben Wheatley’s In the Earth is a gripping descent into madness and survival that seamlessly blends folk horror with psychological thriller. Set against the backdrop of a pandemic-ravaged world, the film is a disorienting, claustrophobic experience that keeps you on edge throughout. From its eerie, natural setting to its surreal and nightmarish visuals, In the Earth is a stark exploration of the relationship between humanity and the environment—a horrifying reminder of the chaos that can arise when we disrupt nature’s delicate balance.
“The Earth doesn’t forget… and neither do we.“
The Premise
The premise of In the Earth is as unsettling as it is simple: In the midst of a global pandemic, a scientist and a park ranger trek deep into the woods to find a lost research station. As they journey further into the heart of the forest, they begin to encounter strange occurrences that suggest they are not alone. The deeper they venture, the more they realize that the forest holds far darker secrets—ones that stretch back to ancient, mystical forces tied to the land itself.
The film is a perfect mix of folk horror and psychological dread, using the natural world as both a beautiful and terrifying character. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the characters are not just battling against the physical dangers of the forest, but also against their own mental and emotional turmoil. Wheatley masterfully builds an atmosphere of paranoia, using the isolation of the setting to heighten the fear of the unknown.
“The Earth is alive, and it has a mind of its own.“
The Execution
What truly sets In the Earth apart is its visceral and immersive execution. Wheatley, known for his ability to juggle genre and tone, creates a world that is as much a character as the people in it. The cinematography is raw and hypnotic, with sweeping shots of the forest’s dense undergrowth and unsettling close-ups that make you feel trapped within the environment. The sound design is equally unsettling, with strange, almost alien noises that echo through the woods, heightening the sense of dread and uncertainty.
The performances are standout as well. Both Joel Fry and Ellora Torchia give gripping performances as the leads. Fry, as the scientist Martin, brings an anxious energy that slowly transforms into a desperation that feels painfully real. Torchia’s Alma, a park ranger with hidden motives, is both strong and vulnerable, and her chemistry with Fry keeps the tension simmering beneath the surface.
“When you disturb the Earth, you disturb yourself.“
The Horror Elements
The horror in In the Earth isn’t just about jump scares or gore, though there’s plenty of that too. It’s about the slow build of tension and the psychological unraveling of its characters. Wheatley expertly uses surreal imagery and disorienting scenes to displace reality, keeping you off-balance and uncertain about what is real. The supernatural elements of the film are rooted in the environment itself—whether it’s the mysterious plant life or strange rituals that come into play, the movie creates a nightmarish world where the natural and supernatural blur together in an unsettling way.
The violence, when it comes, is brutal and unflinching. The film’s stark imagery and intense sequences are not for the faint of heart, but they are also essential in creating the unsettling atmosphere that defines the film. The horror isn’t just in the physical suffering, but in the philosophical and psychological weight of the experience.
“Nature is not as kind as we believe it to be.“
Final Thoughts
In the Earth is a unique and haunting film that blends existential dread with a primal fear of nature. It’s not a film that offers easy answers, nor does it need to. The beauty of the film lies in its ambiguity and in its exploration of human vulnerability in the face of forces beyond our comprehension. Wheatley’s vision is both terrifying and thought-provoking, making this a standout piece of horror cinema.
Strengths
- Haunting visuals and immersive atmosphere
- Strong performances that elevate the psychological tension
- A unique and unsettling mix of folk horror and psychological thriller
Weaknesses
- Some viewers may find the film’s abstract nature confusing or frustrating
- A lack of character development for some supporting characters may leave certain motivations unclear
Score: 8.5 – In the Earth is an immersive and unnerving exploration of the fear of nature and the mind, filled with surreal imagery and intense psychological horror.
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