Please be advised that this article discusses themes of suicide and mental health disorders.
My first review for ScreenRant was of the film Blackwater Lane, a defining moment in my early career as a film critic. I considered it one of the most underwhelming films I had ever seen, a difficult distinction given my extensive viewing background. This negative experience left a lasting impression, making it almost fitting that I would later have the chance to review another thriller inspired by a street name, 825 Forest Road.
Could this film possibly offer a more satisfying experience within the niche of street-name-based thrillers? While it is true that 825 Forest Road presents itself as a more polished production than its predecessor, I found it mirrored several of the same shortcomings I had hoped it would avoid.
Set against a very specific location, 825 Forest Road follows a brother-sister duo grappling with the aftermath of a family tragedy. Chuck and his younger sister Isabel encounter unsettling occurrences in their new home and the surrounding neighborhood, where Chuck and his wife Maria have recently moved. Under the direction of Stephen Cognetti, best known for his work on the Hell House LLC series, the film seeks to explore psychological themes of grief and generational trauma. Unfortunately, it often misses the mark.
The Film’s Structure Lacks Impact
Frustrating Repetition
After an opening sequence that sets the tone, 825 Forest Road unfolds in a four-part structure that ultimately undermines its narrative potential. While some films suffer from predictability, this one takes that complaint to an extreme level. Repetitive and mundane, it revisits the same scenes multiple times—not from diverse angles, but with a rigid adherence to its character perspectives. In this case, every character—Chuck, Isabel, and Maria—offers a retelling of the same events.
Although the intention of showcasing various reactions to grief could have brought depth, the execution feels bloated; entire dialogue exchanges are repeated verbatim, offering little in the way of new insights. This leads to a frustrating rhythm that deflates suspense, opting instead for redundancy rather than compelling storytelling.
The Sibling Relationship Strengthens the Plot
More Exploration Needed
Despite feeling disillusioned by the repetitive elements, the second act of 825 Forest Road reveals its strongest moments. While the performances of Joe Falcone as Chuck and Kathryn Miller as Isabel may lack finesse, a particular dialogue scene hints at the complex dynamics between the siblings. Chuck’s dismissive attitude toward Isabel mirrors similar dismissals towards his partner Maria, adding layers to his character. While I wish these relationships were explored in greater depth, I commend the film’s effort to delve into family dynamics.
A Problematic Portrayal of Mental Health
Negative Tropes in Horror
Aside from the film’s technical and performance issues, the most significant concern lies in its treatment of mental health themes. The narrative attempts to address pressing issues such as mental illness and suicide, but ultimately falls short, thereby undermining its message. The character Maria struggles with bipolar disorder, yet the film often veers toward portraying mental illness as something monstrous and violent.
This trend of trivializing serious themes is alarming; the film touches on bullying’s role in suicide but reduces the complexity of such issues to mere plot devices. Rather than capturing the depths of despair that accompany such tragedies, the supernatural elements make these themes feel gimmicky. Overall, I found this portrayal to be not just irresponsible but detrimental, tarnishing 825 Forest Road‘s potential impact.