All Eyes

In the eerie and suspenseful folk horror film "All Eyes", a disgraced podcast host named Jack Harris, played by Michael Steger, finds himself at a crossroads in his life. He has lost his reputation and is desperate to revive his fading career. Harris's show, once a popular platform for discussing the paranormal and unexplained phenomena, has been marred by controversy and skepticism. One day, Harris receives an email from a mysterious figure named Caleb, a reclusive eccentric farmer from rural Texas, who claims to have stumbled upon a legendary creature living in the woods near his isolated homestead. Caleb describes the creature, known as 'The Devourer', as a massive, grotesque being that has been terrorizing the local ecosystem. Harris, always on the lookout for a chance to redeem his tarnished reputation, decides to take a road trip to Caleb's farm to interview him for his podcast. As soon as Harris arrives at the farm, he is struck by the eerie atmosphere that pervades the rural landscape. Caleb, played by Josh Lucas, is a peculiar individual, with an unkempt beard and a wild hairdo, who seems to revel in the mystery and terror of his claims. Despite his questionable credibility, Caleb convinces Harris that the woods near his farm are inhabited by a malevolent presence that has been feasting on the local wildlife. The two unlikely travelers venture into the woods, navigating through a dense thicket of trees and brambles. As they delve deeper into the heart of the forest, Harris starts to experience a creeping sense of unease and terror. It becomes clear that the line between reality and paranoia is increasingly blurred, and Harris begins to question his own sanity. Throughout the film, Caleb's tales of 'The Devourer' serve as a catalyst for Harris's descent into madness. Harris becomes obsessed with the creature, and his interviews with Caleb are laced with skepticism and growing unease. Harris starts to suspect that Caleb might be fabricating his stories or even making him a pawn in some larger, sinister game. As the days pass, Harris finds himself trapped in a claustrophobic world where the laws of reality seem to bend and warp. The film takes a darker turn, revealing a disturbing web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy Harris's fragile grip on reality. Caleb's true intentions begin to unravel, and Harris realizes that he may have made a terrible mistake by investing his trust in the eccentric farmer. In the climactic final act, Harris is forced to confront the true horror of the woods, and the terrible reality that he has unleashed. The tension builds to a shocking and disturbing conclusion, leaving viewers questioning what is real and what is just a product of Harris's fevered imagination. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Jeremy Dyson and co-written with the acclaimed screenwriter Alex Garland, "All Eyes" is a gripping folk horror film that explores the darker corners of the human psyche. The film features outstanding performances from its lead actors, with Steger delivering a nuanced portrayal of Harris's gradual unraveling. The movie's atmospheric and unsettling score, composed by the celebrated musician Bobby Krlic, perfectly captures the sense of unease and foreboding that pervades the film. The cinematography, handled by the versatile cinematographer Lila Akasa, captures the film's sense of claustrophobia and dread, creating a genuinely unsettling viewing experience. Overall, "All Eyes" is a chilling horror film that probes the darker aspects of human nature. With its gripping narrative, outstanding performances, and masterful direction, it is a must-see for fans of folk horror and psychological thrillers.