Fiona Dourif is one of the premiere actresses making waves in the horror genre, and she continues delivering powerhouse performances in one of the more creative and complex horror films director Patrick Rea has ever given fans. After her powerhouse performance in “Curse of Chucky,” Dourif stars in “Enclosure,” a film that’s teeming with tension, terror, and mystery and ends as a pretty original twist on the lost campers in the woods trope. I initially assumed “Enclosure” was another big foot or yeti horror tale, but director Patrick Rea strives for so much more, and delivers a film that’s so much more meaningful than a simple monster in the woods tale. “Enclosure” is very much a Patrick Rea film with his usual injection of tension, twists, and subtle humor, along with a premise that transforms in to a whole other beast mid-way.
Star Dourif is once again fantastic as Dana, a young photographer who loves nature, and is hiding a secret from her husband. On their anniversary, they venture out in to the woods to go camping, and she brings up the possibility of having a family. Despite making it abundantly clear that he has zero desire to father a child and wants to travel as a musician, Dana is insistent. Quickly their getaway spirals in to terror as Dana begins to realize that the couple is being stalked by something in the woods. To make things worse, a group of gun toting hunters are roaming the woods firing off in to the darkness disrupting their attempts at peace. When the pair witnesses the group of hunters slaughtered by something in the shadows, they’re forced in to keeping one of the survivors with them. When he turns out to be an unhinged maniac, they have to figure out if they want to stay in their tent or chance the wilderness.
Director Patrick Rea builds a great little horror film that relies on simplicity and builds some remarkable tension and mounting terror. Rea’s production is tight and he brings the best out of his cast, including Jake Busey who is deliciously slimy. The film’s villain is absolutely creepy, especially when you glimpse at the utterly unnerving make up effects. Dourif’s turn as the conflicted Dana is quite remarkable to watch, as she skillfully helps bring to life a very interesting and tragic heroine who is engaging in a battle the moment we meet her. The more we realize that’s unfolding within “Enclosure” and what kind of horror this trio have stepped in to, we begin to question the idea of Dana’s fate, and what really is the best course for her and the life she wants in the end. If you’re interested in a horror outing that’s different and intent on delivering something completely different but supplies heavy amounts of tension, frights, and rich characterization, “Enclosure” is a top notch offering.