Fantastic Fest 2023 – Nolan Bentley (Michael Weston) wakes up one day, tied to a tree, with no recollection of how exactly he got there. Heck, he can’t even remember why anyone would leave him in the woods to die. He encounters a mysterious stranger (A.J. Buckley) who really isn’t eager to help him. We’ve seen this premise of city folk versus rural characters before, especially within the horror genre, but Bark is still a gripping thriller with a few surprises.

The film, directed by Marc Schölermann and written by Steve Fauquier, isn’t exactly a slow burn. It kicks off with Nolan’s captivity as he struggles against the ropes, tired, alone, and hungry. He even envisions several protestors tying themselves to trees to protect them, before bulldozers plow the forest, slaughtering everyone in the way. After this high octane opening, Nolan encounters the stranger, an outdoorsman who Nolan labels a redneck. Probably not a good idea. Based on his bloody dress clothes, it’s pretty apparent that Nolan isn’t exactly lacking for money. He even tells the outdoorsman early on that he can give him $60,000 to free him, and that it’s nothing to him. Later one, he admits that he’s harmed and used people but blames it all on capitalism, an easy way out. More and more, the film reveals aspects of his character and his past, including his demons.

Most of the film is a back and forth between Buckley and Weston’s characters and the actors do an entertaining job playing off of each other. The rural and urban contrast is always an interesting conflict, but the film is careful not to fall into any stereotypes. The outdoorsman even says at one point that he prides himself on reading a lot books. He’s certainly not some brainless redneck, despite what Nolan says. Meanwhile, based on Nolan’s interactions with the outdoorsman initially, it’s rather difficult to have a lot of sympathy for him. He’s quick to judge based on appearances alone and struggles taking responsibility for his actions.

As for the reasons Nolan is tied to the tree, the film takes its time revealing what led to his fate. It’s certainly worth the wait, and the film is better for not giving everything away immediately. That said, despite the rather serious premise and the thrilling ride, there’s a good dose of humor here, especially as the men verbally spar with each other and Nolan constantly tries to tear down the outdoorsman, even if he’s the one tied to the tree, not the other way around.

Schölermann’s camera work deserves some credit here too, from the tight close-ups of Nolan’s distressed face to some dizzying, rotating shots early on that underscore Nolan’s fragile mental state. The camera enhances the real danger that the captive faces, while highlighting the film’s generally bonkers premise. To add, without his shoes or even a coat, Nolan faces element threats, and that’s apparent even when the wind moves through the trees, noting a growing chill in the air.

Bark is a rousing thriller with solid performances by Weston and Buckley. It’s careful to avoid cliched trappings and takes its time revealing the reasons for its premise. Even when touching upon some heavy subjects, Bark never ceases to entertain.

7 Out of 10