Overview
Trust your fear.
A four-day journey turns into a fight for survival. This is a psychological thriller about Ian, who wants to get as far away from humanity as possible, into the New Zealand bush. Some other individuals get attached to him. And he has the feeling that they are being followed. Is that real though?
Review
One of the best parts of my job watching horror movies daily is finding that hidden gem. Loop Track is one of those refreshing films overlooked by the masses…most definitely a hidden gem. I’m not sure where director and lead actor Thomas Sainsbury came from, but I’m impressed. Usually if I see an unknown name starring and directing in a lower budget horror movie, I’m in for a disappointment. But this first film of Sainsbury’s was a treat.
My only caveat from calling this brilliant is the fact that it takes 2/3 of the run time just building suspense, promoting the paranoia and social phobia. It does this very well, but the duration felt a bit overcooked. But a socially paranoid loner who gets caught between the terrors of forced human connection and hungry carnivorous creatures…what’s not to love? The acting was compelling. You really feel for the characters. There is a lot of heart and empathy between the characters. You even care about the annoying ones—which sets up the horror so much better in the end.
The final 30 minutes of this movie does pay off. For horror fans, there is blood and gore and a unique creature introduced which I thought was very cool and believable. There’s even subtle humor throughout. The hiker with the ‘stomach of steel’ getting attacked and eaten during one of his many bowel movements is such a nice touch of humor. Sainsbury depiction of mental instability and social anxiety really helps to drive the atmosphere and narrative. Loop Track is a fun, highly-recommended film. Movie fans…keep Thomas Sainsbury on your radar.
Rating: ★★★½ (out of 5)
