Streaming And Screaming: ‘Forest of Love’

The Forest of Love follows a small group of student filmmakers and a shy young girl with strict parents are simultaneously manipulated, seduced and abused by an older man. They follow his bidding, even when murder is involved. The film is written and directed by Sion Sono, who I was first introduced to with Prisoners of the Ghostland starring Nicolas Cage. While I didn’t really vibe with Prisoners of the Ghostland I was really enthralled by The Forest of Love.

For those who are interested in the film, I’d highly recommend going in completely cold but give a content warning for gore and self harm. The Forest of Love manages to make each scene disconcerting. The childlike use of pop-colors, voyeuristic camera, and cartoonish performances create a surreal nightmare reality. If you enjoyed filmed like Parasite, Natural Born Killers, and Audition you’ll have your brain set of fire by The Forest of Love.

The Forest of Love film is now streaming on Netflix as well as the extended and Uncut TV series.