Murder in the Woods is an indie slasher film that not only will have audiences sitting on the edge of their seats but also the representation the film offers proves that it isn’t just another horror movie. The film which comes to theaters August 14, has a multicultural cast and crew and manages to challenge stereotypes in just an hour and thirty minutes.
The film, written by Yelena De Leon, intentionally tells a story that goes beyond the diverse backgrounds of the cast and crew. The film manages to celebrate Latinx culture and stories. Audiences will hear the characters discussing things such as the chupacabra and La Día de Muertos.
Even though the film will be available in theaters August 14, it premiered at the Festival Internacional de Cine de Guadalajara in Los Angeles, and it has already won several awards during its festival run.
Murder in the woods begins with a group of college friends traveling to a cabin for a birthday weekend. Once entering the eerie woods things begin to take a turn for the worst. After a car accident leaves the young adults stuck at the cabin for the night a series of strange events leads to the friend group dying off one by one. Though the film has been celebrated for its diversity the plot, cast and crew also deserve equal praise.
When discussing the film with Kade Wise, Jeanette Samano, and Jordan Diambrini all three stars take pride in being able to be a part of a film where multiculturalism and quality storytelling are both at the forefront. The stars all recognize and celebrate the significance of representation and for people of color to break into the horror genre. The desire for diversity and change within Hollywood has become a part of mainstream conversations for years, and this film is helping to bring change to Hollywood not just through its cast but also with its crew. Murder in the Woods should be celebrated for its quality film making while simultaneously helping to break barriers for all actors, writers, and directors of color.
