Desperate to escape the supernatural visions that haunt her, Anna falls prey to a fanatical cult that plans to transform her life forever. A dark satire, Virgin Forest subversively critiques the historically patriarchal control of the mental health industry, and pits feminist awakening against the cult of cultural and spiritual conformity.

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The sick interworkings of a cult is depicted from the inside in the feature length film, VIRGIN FOREST. It begins with an eye-catching scene that contradicts itself, a girl that is running naked and covered in blood as peaceful classical music plays. It isn’t something that goes together as the girl appears afraid, yet the music gives a feeling of peace. Once Anna is introduced, the reason begins to be clear, this is a cult. 

The vibe of the entire film gives nods to Alfred Hitchcock. The story is drawn out, to give moments of confusion that builds suspense. The cinematography is vibrant when Anna is aware of what is going on & blurred when she is drugged. It appears she is dreaming. The score accompanies the story perfectly. It’s crisp and clear when Anna is alert. It echoes when she is drugged. 

The storytelling delves into the dangerous workings of cult life, in how they slowly suck a person into their web of deceit. Anna has been chosen to be possessed by the “Virgin Mother”, someone the cult believes has been given many names throughout history. They make her doubt her dreams and torture her, so that they can worship her. She will be their new leader. 

What begins as a typical horror trope of a character coming to a secluded location quickly turns darker in this horror film. VIRGIN FOREST is a slow burn, but it works to make the viewer feel like they are going as crazy as Anna to understand the complex working of a cult that practices blood magic.

Project Links

•  Facebook