825 Forest Road is the newest creation from the twisted mind of Stephen Cognetti. Genre fans may recognize this as the creator of the Hell House LLC universe. What started as a hidden gem found footage horror has blossomed into a thriving franchise. Demand has gotten so high for Hell House LLC that the final entry will premiere in theaters this summer.
However, Cognetti has more on his mind than just creepy clowns and abandoned hotels. His newest film, 825 Forest Road, tells a more traditional ghost story that is both terrifying and refreshing. The film is centered around a family that moves to a small town following the death of their mother. Shortly after they arrive, they are warned that the town is haunted by a mysterious ghost who kills those who go looking for it.
Anyone who has read Thomas Olde Heuvelt’s Hex has a general idea of where this story is headed. While the two stories share some similarities, 825 Forest Road takes the tale in an unexpected direction. The film manages to keep the tension high and offers just enough clues to keep the viewer guessing right up until the end.
825 Forest Road manages to sneak in enough scares to chill the audience without becoming cheesy. The visual effects are fantastic and help to pull us into the terrifying new world this young family finds themselves in. The ending will be divisive for some viewers but the best horror movies always are.
If you are looking for a classic ghost story with a modern twist, go check out this one of a kind flick. 825 Forest Road can be found streaming on Shudder, AMC+, and Philo.