A rogue 18th century preacher and his followers make their way downriver to establish a new settlement beyond the western frontier and encounter a forest enchanted by strange spirits that will bring an apocalyptic madness upon them.

Released in 1983, Avery Crounse’s feature debut is set in 1750 on the American frontier before America’s independence. A creepy eighteenth-century preacher (Dennis Lipscomb), along with his followers, head downstream after he is accused of having relationships with two married women. Their journey takes them into dangerous territory where they come up against mysterious woodland spirits. The film’s striking visuals and rapid editing make this an unforgettable viewing experience. It’s less about the gore, it’s more the exquisite production design and how it captures Crounse’s world of psychological horror that ultimately makes this resonate, turning it into one of the most significant folk horrors of the early 1980s. (Jason BECHERVAISE)