Watch Dead Wood

Dead Wood is a 2007 western horror movie about a group of men who set out on a mission to hunt a group of outlaws but encounter something far more terrifying than they could have ever imagined. The movie stars Fergus March, Emily Juniper and John Samuel Worsey in lead roles. Dead Wood is directed by David Bryant and Sebastian Smith.

Set in the old west, the movie follows a group of cowboys led by the rough and tumble Everett (Fergus March) as they head into the mountains on a mission to find a group of bandits who are allegedly responsible for a series of robberies and murders. But as they make their way deeper into the woods, strange things start to happen, and they begin to question whether they are alone in the forest. Soon they realize that something is stalking them and that the bandits they seek might be the least of their worries.

The film employs traditional western tropes, such as shootouts, horseback riding and dusty saloons, and effectively blends it with horror elements. The filmmakers expertly build suspense, playing on the fears of the unknown and adding a few jump scares, which are sure to make you jump out of your seat. The mysterious enemy that lurks in the woods is expertly kept in the shadows, increasing the tension for the audience.

The characters' motives and personalities, while not deep, provide enough substance to make them engaging. Everett is the traditional tough-guy leader, who is equally adept with a gun as he is with his fists, while Emily Juniper's character, Evelyn, is a powerful female character that doesn't shy away from a fight. John Samuel Worsey's character, Jim, is the audience's eyes into the story and provides the moral compass that sometimes goes awry in these types of films.

One aspect of the movie that makes it stand out from the typical western is the use of practical effects, which adds to the authenticity of the world. The makeup effects, done by Kristyan Mallett ('Game of Thrones,' 'The King's Speech'), are particularly noteworthy, and the entire team did an excellent job in creating a believable western world. The movie also makes great use of the scenic outdoor locations that create a sense of foreboding, with the looming trees adding to the overall atmosphere.

Dead Wood is fast-paced, with the story moving briskly, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Tight editing is employed, which makes for a fluid storytelling experience, and the strong cast gives solid performances. The film is well-balanced between the western and horror genres, blending them in a way that feels organic.

Overall, Dead Wood is an excellent example of how to blend two genres successfully, with excellent production values and a strong cast. The tension builds throughout the runtime, keeping the audience uneasy, and the payoff is worth the wait. Horror fans who enjoy westerns and vice versa should check this one out.

Dead Wood is a 2007 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.4.