In The Earth – Striking But Empty Atmospheric Horror (Early Review)

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has hampered much of the world for over a year now. Much has been reported about its effect on the film industry, either delaying or cancelling releases or even productions. Since then, many filmmakers and studios have found ways to adapt to these different circumstances for their productions in inventive ways both narratively and practically. The results of those have been a mixed bag as some have certainly pulled it off better than others in spite of those circumstances. Premiering at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, In The Earth, is one of the first major horror films that was conceived, written, and produced in quarantine (source) by writer/director Ben Wheatley over a 15 day period only in August 2020 (source). In spite of its circumstances, the films still pulls of a palpably creepy atmosphere but is sure to go a step too far for some viewers thanks to moments of excessive sensory overload in the service of an extremely convoluted story that will only create a disconnect between viewers and the characters.

In The Earth takes place in a near future world afflicted by an unknown virus and follows a scientist named Martin (Fry) and a park ranger named Alma (Torchia) as they trek across a deep forest for a routine equipment run. This forest was unlike any forest, however, as it saw something lurking within it. Whatever may have been responsible for it was never made abundantly clear. Nevertheless, Martin and Alma still had to navigate the elements and that unknown threat looming from every corner. Though it may be hard to understand what was going on, it was easy to feel what was going on thanks to the film’s terrific atmosphere. Through the use of sound design, lighting, and cinematography, audiences will be led onto an uneasy and uncomfortable path with a few twists and turns along the way.

Supported by that convoluted story, it was ultimately hard to care about In The Earth‘s story or characters regardless of whatever few things it may do right. The story was an increasingly ridiculous slow burn that looked to build up towards some sort of big climax which ultimately fell flat assuming it hadn’t already lost any audiences before that moment came. Once that moment came, the film truly fell off the rails. Suffice it to say, if it wasn’t already made clear, those who can get behind the story will find more enjoyment here. Though this is just speculation, one can’t help but wonder how the film came to be what it was here. Was the story dictated by the pandemic for practical reasons production-wise or was it an issue related to time because the script could easily have been fleshed out more to make it into a more engaging mystery. As it stands, it did feel like something that was rushed in order to take advantage of being the so called first major pandemic horror film.

In the end, the best part of In The Earth was its performances as it kept the film watchable in spite of its story. The circumstances behind its production presumably meant a smaller cast therefore it leaned heavily on Fry and Torchia who were both good as Martin and Alma respectively. Each character could have been deeper but they were a decent vehicle for the film’s atmosphere. Though their chemistry was solid, it was just a shame that the film did not provide enough of a reason to care about them. More depth would have better sold their journey over the course of the film. Meanwhile, Shearsmith stole scenes as Zach, a unusual man that Martin and Alma found living in the forest. Squires was fine as Olivia, one of Martin’s past acquaintances for whom she shared a mysterious past.

At the end of the day, In The Earth is destined to be an acquired taste that won’t be for everyone. What it does succeed at in spite of the circumstances behind its production is still remarkable. If only the story didn’t bit more than it could chew.

still courtesy of Elevation Pictures

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.