The Forest (1982)
A lean, unsettling slice of early-eighties wilderness horror in which a cannibal hermit turns the deep woods into his personal hunting ground.
The Forest - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Forest
- Release Year: 1982
- Directed by: Don Jones
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 11, 1982 (United States - R)
- Alternative Titles: Terror in the Forest (US)
- Production Companies: Wide World of Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Forest - Plot
A cannibal hermit living in the woods preys on campers and hikers for his food supply.
The Forest - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in the woods:
Daddy's Gone A Hunting
Where to Watch The Forest
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The Forest - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Don Jones
Main Cast
- Dean Russell
- Gary Kent
- Tomi Barrett
- John Batis
- Ann Wilkinson
- Jeanette O'Connor
- Corky Pigeon
- Becki Burke
- Tony Gee
- Stafford Morgan
Writers
- Don Jones
Producers
- Don Jones
The Forest - FAQs
What is The Forest (1982) about?
The Forest follows two couples who head into the wilderness for a camping trip, only to find themselves hunted by a deranged hermit who has been living deep in the woods and surviving by preying on unsuspecting hikers. The film blends slasher horror with an unusual supernatural subplot involving the killer's ghostly children.
Does The Forest (1982) have a supernatural subplot?
Yes, and it's one of the film's most distinctive quirks. Alongside the cannibal killer storyline, The Forest features the ghosts of the hermit's deceased children, who appear to some of the campers. It's an unexpected supernatural layer that sets this low-budget slasher apart from its peers.
Where can you stream The Forest (1982)?
You can watch The Forest for free on Tubi TV (with ads), Plex Channel, and YOW.tv. If you prefer to own or rent it, it's also available through Fandango At Home. Plenty of options whether you want a free stream or a digital purchase.
Is The Forest (1982) based on a true story?
The Forest is not based on a specific true story. It draws on the well-worn slasher tradition of isolated wilderness terror, tapping into primal fears about what might lurk in remote woods. The cannibal hermit premise is fictional, crafted to maximize dread in a low-budget exploitation horror setting.
Who directed and wrote The Forest (1982)?
Don Jones wore multiple hats on this production — he directed, wrote the screenplay, produced the film, and even appears on screen as a forest ranger. It's a true one-man-band effort, typical of the scrappy, independent horror filmmaking that defined the early 1980s regional slasher scene.
Who are the main actors in The Forest (1982)?
The cast includes Dean Russell as Steve, Gary Kent as John, Tomi Barrett as Sharon, and Ann Wilkinson as Teddi — the four campers at the center of the story. John Batis plays the menacing cannibal Charlie, with Corky Pigeon and Becki Burke rounding out the ensemble as his ghostly children.
Is The Forest (1982) worth watching for horror fans?
For fans of early 1980s regional slasher films, The Forest has a certain rough-edged charm. It's slow-paced and low-budget, but the unusual ghost subplot and eerie woodland atmosphere give it a quirky identity. It's best appreciated as a curiosity of the era rather than a polished horror experience.
What are similar movies to The Forest (1982)?
If The Forest scratched that wilderness horror itch, try The Burning (1981), Wrong Turn (2003), The Hills Have Eyes (2006), or Rituals (1977) for more isolated-location terror. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) and The Cabin in the Woods (2012) are also great picks from the same slasher tradition.
More About The Forest
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