If you know anything about modern horror, the fact that the new horror filmThe Woodswas being directed byAdam Wingardwas reason enough to get excited about its release. The first trailer for the film,which premiered a few months ago, bolstered that feeling two-fold, even though it looked nothing like the wild world that Wingard created withThe Guestor the subversive fury ofYou’re Next. We now have yet another trailer for the film, which you can take a look at below, but that comes second to a major revelation about Wingard’s latest project, that it is, in fact, an entry in theBlair Witchfranchise, titled simplyBlair Witchnow instead ofThe Woods(click here to watch Perri’s video review of the film).
Now, anyone who had the severe displeasure of witnessing the secondBlair Witchmovie,Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, will know that continuing on this franchise isn’t exactly the best news in the world on its own. Yes,The Blair Witch Projectremains a tight, tense found-footage wonder, one of the half-dozen (or so) times that particular stylistic hook has not been the sole fascinating thing about the movie that utilizes it (see also:Cloverfield,Chronicle). The second film, on the other hand, was devoid of personality and deeply disinteresting, likely due to the fact that the director,Joe Berlinger, had his original conception cut to ribbons by the studio, which was looking for a more by-the-numbers, quick-buck sequel. One could also blame Berlinger, but I have more faith in the filmmaker behind the groundbreakingParadise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hillsthan any studio.
With Wingard now announced as being the man behind the upcoming iteration, however,Blair Witchcould very well summon the want to put real directors behind the camera. such asTi West,Jaume Collet-Serra, orRob Zombie, even if he already directed one of the best witch films in history withThe Lords of Salem. The new trailer has plenty of intensely unsettling and scary moments that feel distinctly like Wingard’s craftsmanship, and with Wingard already well into filming on hisDeath Noteadaptation for Netflix, we may be witnessing the first movements ofJohn Carpenter’s natural successor.
Watch theBlair Witchtrailer below. The film hits theaters nationwide on September 16th.
Here’s the new poster forBlair Witch:
Here’s the official synopsis forBlair Witch:
A group of college students venture into the Black Hills Forest in Maryland to uncover the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of James’ sister who many believe is connected to the legend of the Blair Witch. At first the group is hopeful, especially when a pair of locals offer to act as guides through the dark and winding woods, but as the endless night wears on, the group is visited by a menacing presence. Slowly, they begin to realize the legend is all too real and more sinister than they could have imagined.
