While three vaccines and dwindling case numbers (for now) inspire hope worldwide that the COVID-19 pandemic may soon offer us a return to some semblance of normalcy, U.K. director Ben Wheatley has a different perspective. Rather than provide an escape from what the world populace has undergone, upcoming movies should instead address COVID-19 and its residual anxieties. His option is “In The Earth,” a new horror movie amid a virus outbreak where evil forces may also be lurking in the woods nearby. Here’s the official synopsis:
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As the world searches for a cure to a disastrous virus, a scientist and park scout venture deep in the forest for a routine equipment run. Through the night, their journey becomes a terrifying voyage through the heart of darkness, the forest coming to life around them.
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“In The Earth” stars Joel Fry, best known for his turn in Danny Boyle‘s 2019 film “Yesterday,” who also has a starring role in the upcoming “Cruella.” The film also stars Ellora Torchia (HBO‘s ‘The Nevers‘), Reece Shearsmith (‘High Rise‘), Hayley Squires (Netflix‘s ‘Collateral‘), John Hollingworth (‘Rebecca‘), and Mark Monera (‘Free Fire‘).
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Keen eyes will notice several of the actors in “In The Earth” have worked with Wheatley on some of his more recent films. That’s because Wheatley opted to shoot the movie on the fly last summer with a small and select cast and crew up to a quick shoot on a modest budget. After writing the film early into the UK’s lockdown last March, Wheatley shot the film rapidly over fifteen days last August and only announced it after production wrapped.
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The film also is a callback of sorts to the movies that first built Wheatley’s reputation. The director’s first films like “Kill List,” “Sightseers,” and “A Field In England” were all smaller, independent horror films Wheatley directed and edited himself.
How will Ben Wheatley’s attempt to aesthetically engage with COVID-19 go over with audiences? Find out on April 30th, when the film hits theaters thanks to Neon. Watch the new trailer below.