Gaia
“Gaia” is the second film I’ve seen this year about people who have a terrifying, spiritual connection to nature. While Ben Wheatley’s “In the Earth” is more psychological in nature, and deals with a connection to nature as a result of being afraid of its power (as unleashed during a pandemic), Jaco Bouwer’s film is much more grotesque, more in keeping with body horror as opposed to a psychic connection. This is a physical one, but it comes from the same idea- the Earth is not being tended by man, and it needs protectors to help assert itself again.
We begin with two forest rangers- Gabi (Monique Rockman) and Winston (Anthony Oseyemi)- as they do routine checks of equipment and the forest. When they lose an overhead drone, they go to investigate, and they find two survivalists. These aren’t typical survivalists in camo and camp gear; they seem to have war paint or something to help mask themselves from trespassers, as well as traps set, one of which gets Gabi. They are worshippers of the Earth, devotees to what nature can offer, and they are paranoid about anyone from the outside upsetting what they have found. Gabi is different, however, and she endears herself to Barend (Carel Nel) and Stefan (Alex van Dyk), whom protect her from beings in the forest who can harm her. When she does threaten to upset the balance of their life, however, their generosity comes into question.
Bouwer’s gift in this film is being able to turn something as expansive as the forests of New Zealand into a claustrophobic landscape. There is no escape for Gabi and Winston in this movie; the forest feels oppressive and sinister. The makeup effects in this film are stunning, and unlike anything I can recall in any film I’ve seen. There are scenes of suspense and surreal horror, and the film moves briskly at 96 minutes to a climax that feels as chilling as it is predictable. This is a immersive, engaging horror film executed well, and leaving us wanting more. All worship “Gaia.”
