Two scientists investigate the root of environmental changes and strange animal behavior at a remote site where a cult committed atrocities. The isolated location, the unraveling of their relationship, and the biome itself begin to lead them down a path of doom where primeval forces threaten to consume them. An adaptation of Laird Barron's short story "–30–".
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They Remain, based on the short story "--30--" by master horror writer Laird Barron, is a quiet and atmospheric work of creeping psychological horror. This may depend too much on mood and subtlety for viewers who want a slam-bang horror movie, but if you enjoy the slow, menacing creep of dread, and especially characters stuck in a remote natural environment to heighten the sense of paranoia and exposure, you'll love this like I did.
I really liked this film. I watched as a fan of independent films so maybe came with less of a horror nut's expectations for blood and guts but I found it scary. The actors are both terrific and the film looks stunning (I loved "Zoo", shot by the same DP!). Totally enjoyable way to spend a night in, be a little spooked and wonder what lurks in your own head!
I don't think I've seen a film quite like this one. The best way I can describe it is it's like Mulholland Drive meets Alien. It's a psychological meditation about the horrors that lay dormant just below the surface of modern civilization.If you like avant garde film and are intellectually curious, this is well worth the watch.
Right off the start I have to acknowledge how good William Jackson Harper can act. I hope the best for him, but this film isn't going to make him a household name. But don't waste your time on this movie. 'They Remain' begins with 2 people in the woods studying "unnatural animal behavior" and yet, you're left wondering where that is; There's a german shephard that shows up every now and again. There are insects that interest Rebecca Henderson's character Jessica. There's certainly a lot of "what's that mean" thrown in to make some mystery, but the only real weird behavior is between Keith & Jessica. Jessica starts hearing things early in and then both of them act like they're on drugs near the middle of the film. To describe this film, I would have to say it's about the lost cult members of the Charles Manson family. Jessica and others in the movie belong to the famous cult and they're trying to induct Keith into the group. As I watched the story unfold I was thinking how Keith should be yelling, "Why are you messing with me?" It's obvious - Why wouldn't anyone ask this question? 'They Remain' attempts to be psychologically unnerving with dream sequences & a 60's vibe effects, but all it really does is bore. Whatever emotion the direction was trying to invoke in the audience is a complete dislike of the story. It laid out visual mysteries and fails to connect any of it to the plot. We're presented with cameras malfunctioning, a cave, a pair of giant ram horns, and ooo scary "THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE WOODS!" You waste your time waiting for the "slow burn" because it just ends without a climax and you never want to watch it again. Really nice set up for good story telling and it fails to deliver a coherent one.
