Don't F*** in the Woods (2016) by Shawn Burkett

Director: Shawn Burkett
Year: 2016
Country: USA
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Creature Feature

Plot:
Heading out for a trip to the woods, a group of friends decides to use the time getting high or having sex with each other as they wait for their friends to show up, but when they realize a creature attracted to sex has killed their friends and turned on them they must try to get out of the woods alive.

Review:

This was an exceptionally fun time. One of the strongest elements present here is the incredibly strong story that manages to work in much more than the expected sleaze and gory thrills. Despite wallowing heavily in these areas, that there’s more on offer here is a great plus as there’s an incredibly strong visual prowess featured here where a lot of the scares are enhanced due to the camerawork offered. These shift from the impressive close-quarters work inside the tents to the creepy shots of the creature looking over the group passed out in the middle of the campground. Other scenes, from the stalking in the woods with a creepy feel to it with the monster charging through the treeline to the surprisingly emotional resolution to a critical relationship that works nicely here, offer hints that there was more to offer.

Still, the sleaze factor is perhaps the greatest selling point which is certainly worthwhile and appreciated. That the copious nudity shouldn’t be a surprise given the subject matter, but this still helps hold up the continuous sexual exploits that are constant in the film. Given that the entire premise is on a creature that’s attracted to the pheromones emitted during sex, each of the creatures’ attacks are during provides some really impressive attacks that also give this a chance for solid indie-flavored bloodshed with the nudity. This one features some interesting attacks of the creature coming through tents or stalking them through the woods where it also manages some suspenseful ambushes that aren’t expected in this kind of effort. As well, the action-packed confrontations in the jungle where it gets extremely fun with the tactics and plans brought to bring it down give this one plenty of likable elements.

This one does have some minor flaws. The main issue here is the film’s length where it’s over so fast that it misses some big points. The creature itself is a complete mystery, never given a name or origin story as to where it came from or what it really is. The only aspect known about it is that it’s violently attracted to human sexual activity and sets out to kill people who are actively engaging in it while ignoring those who aren’t. It is only inferred through obvious activity on-screen and is never really given any purpose at all. More time in the story could’ve fleshed that out a little more as well as fixing the minor issue of not needing so many speed-ups for what they showcased here that took up time rather than letting the film naturally be. The sleaze quotient could be a problem, but for the most part, none of the flaws here are that detrimental at all.

Overview: ****/5

A highly enjoyable sleazy monster movie, there are not too many issues here that can't be gleaned from the obviousness and direct nature of what's presented here. Give it a look if you're a fan of this indie-style genre effort, are curious about the concept, or appreciate the creative crew while most others who are turned off by the bluntness of everything or the negatives present should heed caution.