By Christopher K House
Full disclosure here, The Hike is a film that played at the 2016 Milwaukee Twisted Dreams Film Festival and this writer was one of the co-directors that hand picked this film so, I may be a bit biased. But, right off the bat I will tell you this is one heck of a ride.
The Hike is the work of writer, director, producer and star, Dave Fugett. It tells the story about an estranged couple that decide to go on a hike in the mountains and try and reconcile or decide to divorce. The setup is a long one as we learn more about the couple Brooke (Monica Olive) is the wife that has had enough of her husband Derek's (John Beland) drinking and excuses. Derek just wants to reconcile with his wife and rejoin the family with their young daughter but admits he hasn't stopped drinking.
Soon after, the film takes a dark turn as unexpectedly, Derek is shot in the foot. Confused, Monica tries to seek help so, upon returning to their vehicle, she meets a helpful stranger named Grady, played menacingly enough by Dave Fugett.
Grady offers help which Monica accepts, instead Grady kidnaps the couple and over the course of the rest of the film submits them to sadistic mental and physical torture.
The first thing that stands out is the superior acting in the film. Indie films are hit or miss when it comes to this department but, Fugett nailed it with his choice of actors. On why he chose to play Grady, he said in a Q&A after the film screened "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself". And it worked. Grady was a despicable character we hated and wanted revenge on. The character had no back story to speak of and we didn't need one, we knew all we needed to know in a short time. The film had a flow to it that unraveled itself similar to some of the best thrillers. The characters felt real and organic, the chemistry was there and worked remarkably well.
What made the film is the fact that it's formula is one of the best a thriller like this can have, it can actually happen. The scariest things in life are the things that can happen to anyone at any time. We know we aren't going to be hacked to pieces by Jason Voorhees but, we don't know if we will run into a Grady on our next camping trip.
The Hike is the work of writer, director, producer and star, Dave Fugett. It tells the story about an estranged couple that decide to go on a hike in the mountains and try and reconcile or decide to divorce. The setup is a long one as we learn more about the couple Brooke (Monica Olive) is the wife that has had enough of her husband Derek's (John Beland) drinking and excuses. Derek just wants to reconcile with his wife and rejoin the family with their young daughter but admits he hasn't stopped drinking.
Soon after, the film takes a dark turn as unexpectedly, Derek is shot in the foot. Confused, Monica tries to seek help so, upon returning to their vehicle, she meets a helpful stranger named Grady, played menacingly enough by Dave Fugett.
Grady offers help which Monica accepts, instead Grady kidnaps the couple and over the course of the rest of the film submits them to sadistic mental and physical torture.
The first thing that stands out is the superior acting in the film. Indie films are hit or miss when it comes to this department but, Fugett nailed it with his choice of actors. On why he chose to play Grady, he said in a Q&A after the film screened "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself". And it worked. Grady was a despicable character we hated and wanted revenge on. The character had no back story to speak of and we didn't need one, we knew all we needed to know in a short time. The film had a flow to it that unraveled itself similar to some of the best thrillers. The characters felt real and organic, the chemistry was there and worked remarkably well.
What made the film is the fact that it's formula is one of the best a thriller like this can have, it can actually happen. The scariest things in life are the things that can happen to anyone at any time. We know we aren't going to be hacked to pieces by Jason Voorhees but, we don't know if we will run into a Grady on our next camping trip.
The one drawback is the film has is it is a bit too long. Clocking in at just over 2 hours, it is long for a thriller like this. The first act dragged at times. Once we are introduced to Grady, the film really picks up but, we wait a while for that to happen. The scenery was beautiful compared to the stark contrast of the cruel torture Grady inflicts on the couple, both mental and physical. The overall production value was excellent and should be commended for it, One other thing to note was the soundtrack, it used licensed music. A very rare thing for an independent film but, Fugett admitted music was important and he felt the cost was worth it. This also helped us relate to the characters because we knew the songs, we didn't hear made up royalty free music we have no attachment with, it made everything more "real".
The Hike is currently making it's festival rounds so, if it comes to your area, make sure you see it, this is one film that will stick with you for a long time. Those are after all, the best films, ones that infect your mind.
Rating A-
For more info on the film and where it is playing be sure to keep up to date and bookmark the website HERE
The Hike is currently making it's festival rounds so, if it comes to your area, make sure you see it, this is one film that will stick with you for a long time. Those are after all, the best films, ones that infect your mind.
Rating A-
For more info on the film and where it is playing be sure to keep up to date and bookmark the website HERE
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