The Woods (2006)

Dir: Lucky McKee

Supernatural spookfest set in a private boarding school for girls in the 1960s that doubles as a some kind of witch coven. Agnes Bruckner plays a 'rebel' girl sent there by her overbearing parents who tries to uncover the mystery of it all, while fighting off a bunch of creepy voices in her head. The first time I watched this, I found it a little confusing and disappointing after McKee’s stunning debut, “May”, but it improved no end on a repeat viewing. It’s a smart, stylish film with enough weirdness to keep you interested and a “Suspiria”-like combination of camp and creepy. Also boasts some sweet-ass old-skool style SFX work with giant killer trees and axes in heads that made me feel like the 70s never ended... in the best possible sense. Plus, Rachel Nichols, in her role as ineffectual bully Samantha, gives an oddly endearing, memorable performance. I don't know why I couldn't get on with this the first time! ***