‘Trees Are Watching’ Review: Eva Green Fights A.I. Generated Horrors in Self-Serious Misfire Boarded by Martin Scorsese
Bahman Ghobadi directs some fascinating performances in “Trees Are Watching,” his horror movie based on the Kurdish legend of people being reborn as trees and living second lives as furniture. Not only does actress Eva Green make a meal out of some paper-thin concepts, but her co
The latest film from Bahman Ghobadi, "Trees Are Watching," has all the makings of a thought-provoking horror movie, but unfortunately, it falls flat. Despite Eva Green's captivating performance, the film's self-serious tone and paper-thin concepts hold it back from reaching its full potential. The movie's unique blend of Kurdish legend and AI-generated horrors had the potential to be a game-changer in the horror genre, but it ultimately feels like a misfire.
Ghobadi's direction is perhaps the film's strongest aspect, eliciting fascinating performances from his cast, particularly Green. Her ability to bring depth to a character despite being given limited material is impressive, and she undoubtedly carries the film. However, the story's reliance on tired horror tropes and a convoluted plot makes it difficult to become fully invested. The involvement of Martin Scorsese as a producer adds an air of legitimacy, but even his influence can't save the film from its shortcomings.
As the horror genre continues to evolve, it's clear that audiences are hungry for fresh and innovative storytelling. With the rise of AI-generated content, it's only a matter of time before we see more films incorporating this technology in creative ways. Keep an eye on Ghobadi's future projects, as he has shown a knack for tackling complex themes and eliciting powerful performances from his cast. Will he be able to find success with a more focused narrative, or will "Trees Are Watching" remain a cautionary tale? Only time will tell.
Originally reported by variety.com. RaveNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.