Nina of the Woods is a true work of art.
Prior to seeing this film, I was excited. Having watched Charlie Griak's debut, feature-length film The Center, I was aware of the type of setting, mood, and story that Griak likes to tell. I wasn't prepared for just how much he was ready to take his filmmaking to the next level.
Set in the backwoods in the middle of nowhere, the story follows a television crew on their way to see if there is any truth to a video they received that showcases unexplained phenomena in a mysterious woods. As the story progresses, we learn more about the woods as well as each person who struck out on the journey.
At its heart, this is a story about self-discovery and self-questioning. Each of the characters have moments where they can accept what they see and who they are or continue to pretend that the world is as they've always known it to be. These moments are brought to life through Griak's phenomenal writing and direction as well as the exceptional acting of the cast. Particular shout outs go to Megan Hensley as the titular Nina on her portrayal of a lost but hopeful actress on the road to discovery and Daniel Bielinski for his portrayal of the sarcastic/weathered Jeremy whose view of the world is challenged to its core,
Griak delivers an experience that leaves you with more questions than answers. Those questions, though, aren't as much about the film as they are the world we live in and the lives we've lived. As the credits rolled, I couldn't help but wonder how much of life I've missed because I didn't take the time to look for the mystery behind the mundane. I can't wait to see what Griak has to say in his next film!
Prior to seeing this film, I was excited. Having watched Charlie Griak's debut, feature-length film The Center, I was aware of the type of setting, mood, and story that Griak likes to tell. I wasn't prepared for just how much he was ready to take his filmmaking to the next level.
Set in the backwoods in the middle of nowhere, the story follows a television crew on their way to see if there is any truth to a video they received that showcases unexplained phenomena in a mysterious woods. As the story progresses, we learn more about the woods as well as each person who struck out on the journey.
At its heart, this is a story about self-discovery and self-questioning. Each of the characters have moments where they can accept what they see and who they are or continue to pretend that the world is as they've always known it to be. These moments are brought to life through Griak's phenomenal writing and direction as well as the exceptional acting of the cast. Particular shout outs go to Megan Hensley as the titular Nina on her portrayal of a lost but hopeful actress on the road to discovery and Daniel Bielinski for his portrayal of the sarcastic/weathered Jeremy whose view of the world is challenged to its core,
Griak delivers an experience that leaves you with more questions than answers. Those questions, though, aren't as much about the film as they are the world we live in and the lives we've lived. As the credits rolled, I couldn't help but wonder how much of life I've missed because I didn't take the time to look for the mystery behind the mundane. I can't wait to see what Griak has to say in his next film!