'In the Earth' is a horror film that follows Martin, a scientist set on helping in studies aimed at using mycorrhiza to increase crop efficiency. Prompted to volunteer for the research due to knowing Dr. Olivia Wendle, who is at the forefront of the project, Martin ventures into the unusually fertile forestland outside of Bristol, and is led through the forest to Olivia's location by Alma, a forest ranger. The film opens by informing us that Martin is carrying out his research during a pandemic. At an outpost just outside the forest Martin learns of a local legend, Parnag Fegg, a woodland spirit that dwells in the surrounding forest, and the film follows his and the others experience with the mysterious force.
'In the Earth' delivers a series of perplexing events, seemingly disorienting the viewer not only due to the fear inducing kaleidoscopic hallucinations, but also largely due to the extremes that exist in the personalities of the feature characters. The film feels very much like a product of its time, - the world is in disarray as a global pandemic envelops and changes our everyday lives, seeping into the most minuscule of our activities, changing the way we do things and maintaining an unrelenting sense of tension and fear of what may happen next. The film makes good use of perpetuating that notion, uncertainty of the future, and merges it well with a deep-seated sense of distrust towards others. As Alma and Martin are at their lowest, they come across Zach, who eventually turns out to only be friendly to lure the two in, and use them as pawns in his ritualistic appeasement of the woodland presence. The sheer brutality that is displayed as Zach keeps the two sedated and as he expresses his frustrations towards the two by using a hatchet to amputate some of Martins toes, the film feeds our innermost fears towards strangers, as the worst of what humanity has to offer is put on full display here, as Zach feeds his delusions and expresses anger towards the unlucky two that happened to cross his path.
Initially the film focuses on Martin, as someone who is trying his best to carry on during an uncertain time. The film showcases well the feeling that a lot of individuals have resorted to, to cope during a pandemic, namely to keep going with what they know, to keep working towards something to avert their attention from focusing too profoundly on the surrounding situation. Presented as a coping mechanism, through Martin the audience can get their bearings and relate to the common want to keep going even if the times are tough. Together with Alma, the two provide a sense of ease as they discuss their worries about what is going on, inviting the audience to sympathise with them.
After having come across Zach, the duo are more than happy to see Dr. Wendle when they finally reach her, Martin due to his past relationship with her and Alma, as she is glad to be rid of Zach. Eventually however, Alma expresses her worries about Dr. Wendle as she is unwilling to leave behind her research, quoting that as an unreasonable request as they have previously been subject to Zach's terrors and as he is still on the loose. Here, 'In the Earth' provides for a useful illustration in the core of the characters, Alma, as she is concerned for everyone's overall well-being, Dr. Wendle, as someone who prioritises her work above all, and Martin who cannot leave someone behind. The film further plays into the theme of being trapped as the research camp is encroached by an inescapable fog, adding to the fear we the audience and the characters experience as the claustrophobia seeps in and forces us to remain trapped.
The film also utilises psychedelic and hallucinatory sequences, imbuing the story with dream-like characteristics, often driving the film forward into a frightening and anxiety-inducing expression of the characters frustrations, fears and the inescapable happenings around them. The visuals provide for an abstract expression of how the characters are driven forward to an unknown and unfamiliar goal, and are forced to face a presence that, even though is hard to explain, keeps drawing the individuals ever closer to it.
Through Dr. Wendle and Zach the audience can gain insight into the somewhat delusional experience that some people have when they are subject to a global catastrophe and try to seek out answers to resolve the situation. The obsessive need to find something to hang on to, a promise in a way forward to escape the existing situation can induce obsessive and paranoid behaviour, leading to unusual practices and even turning to violence. 'In the Earth' successfully demonstrates the atrocities some are willing to commit when they have talked themselves into believing that striving towards something is worth more that others lives.
The cast of the film comprise of Joel Fry as Martin, Reece Shearsmith as Zach, Hayley Squires as Dr. Olivia Wendle and Ella Torchia as Alma. The cast are split evenly in representing the more rational and practical approach to what is going on, through Martin and Alma, in contrast to the more delusional response to the revelations in Olivia and Zach. By exercising a sort of balancing act, the actors allow us to experience the seemingly insane situations by representing both the unwillingness to accept what is happening whilst also entertaining and going along with the odd events.
The film is written and directed by Ben Wheatley and he has managed to deliver a story that combines sequences akin to fever dreams, slow an idyllic shots of natures beauty and cringe inducing brutality. The story is reflective of where the world is during a tumultuous time, illustrating our disconnection from nature and reflecting our fear and distrust of those around us. Wheatley's story is grim, showcasing the ugly side of how far humans can fall, perpetually reminding us of the relenting capacity people have towards violence provided there is a reason or belief strong enough behind it. The ending of the story is ambiguous, however, it manages to conclude on a positive note. Without providing any answers to what may come next, seeing Alma and Martin leaves a positive impression, inviting the viewer to believe that they will find their way out of the forest and be able to carry on.
Ultimately, 'In the Earth' is a reflection of how people choose to deal with harsh circumstances and how it affects their physical and mental well-being. Through the various characters, a multitude of responses are illustrated in denoting the frustrations and coping mechanisms each individual is willing to utilise to get by. By providing tense and uneasy sequences and peppering psychedelic scenes throughout, 'In the Earth' leaves a mark on the viewer and provides a memorable viewing experience.
Score: 3/4
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