🎬 Dark Nature (2022) — Review

Movie Overview

Title: Dark Nature
Release Date: Premiered at Fantasia in July 2022; limited North American release May 19, 2023; VOD from May 23 2023 
Genre: Psychological horror / survival thriller
Director & Writer: Berkley Brady (directorial debut) 
Cast: Hannah Emily Anderson (Joy), Madison Walsh, Roseanne Supernault, Helen Belay, Kyra Harper 
Where to Watch: Available on VOD platforms such as Fandango at Home, and streaming like Prime Video, Tubi, Plex

1. Plot Summary

Joy, a survivor of domestic abuse, reluctantly joins a women’s therapy retreat in the isolated Canadian Rockies with her friend Carmen and a group led by the enigmatic Dr. Dunnley. The trip, intended to help Joy heal, quickly turns nightmarish as the women begin experiencing hallucinati ons, disappearances, and are stalked by a terrifying creature that seems entwined with their personal traumas. Joy must confront both the supernatural threat and her psychological scars to survive.

2. Notable Elements

• Opening intensity: The film begins with a visceral scene of Joy’s abusive relationship and the traumatic death of her dog—setting a grounded, emotional tone before horror ensues

• Wilderness cinematography: The Canadian Rockies are captured in stunning, oppressive visuals—rock caverns, dense forests, and rivers that emphasize isolation and danger

• Practical effects & survival horror: Creature scenes and stunt work lean heavily on realistic effects. The final third combines gore and suspense in a classic survival horror structure

• Female ensemble: Anchored by Hannah Emily Anderson, the cast brings emotional authenticity and inner conflict to their roles, helping ground the supernatural thread

3. Themes & Messages

• Trauma and healing: The story explores post-traumatic stress—Joy’s hallucinations and fear reflect internal wounds that manifest physically. The retreat’s unconventional therapy methods hint at confronting pain directly Female solidarity and isolation: The group dynamic shifts as bonds strain under pressure, reflecting on the power and limitations of communal healing. The wilderness becomes both metaphorical and literal wilderness of personal struggle.

• Fear of the unknown: The creature symbolizes unresolved demons—not fully understood or explained, but rooted in psychological unrest and past violence.

4. Personal Impressions

Strengths:

• The first half builds powerful psychological dread. Joy’s trauma is portrayed with nuance and empathy.

• Natural landscape and sound design amplify the suspense effectively. The film never feels rushed despite its 85-minute runtime.

Weaknesses:

• The shift to creature horror weakens the earlier emotional depth—the monster feels derivative and underdefined. Critics liken it to The Descent but without matching its cohesion.

• Several character arcs (like Tara and Shaina) feel underdeveloped, leaving emotional gaps in the ensemble dynamic.

5. Audience Recommendations

Who will appreciate it:

• Fans of female-led psychological horror exploring trauma through surreal, cinematic storytelling.

• Viewers drawn to survival horror set in natural environments, especially if you appreciated films like The Descent or Saint Maud.

• Audiences interested in horror with emotional depth and metaphorical framing.

Who might skip it:

• Viewers seeking clear supernatural lore or strong narrative resolution.

• Those who prefer action-heavy or creature-centric horror with extensive monster mythology.

6. Conclusion & Rating

Dark Nature is a bold debut—ambitious in its treatment of trauma and empowerment. While its creature-horror turn may undercut its early psychological tension, the film still delivers haunting atmosphere, visual beauty, and emotional sincerity. It’s a thoughtful exploration of surviving pain in the wilderness of the mind.

Final Recommendation: Watch it for the gut‑wrenching emotional core and vivid natural horror setting—be ready for ambiguity.
⭐️ Rating: 3.5/5