The Sticks ( 2025 )

The Sticks (2025): A Deep Dive into Rural Horror and Psychological Trauma

The Sticks, released in late 2025, quickly became a talking point in the horror genre, lauded for its atmospheric tension, compelling performances, and exploration of complex themes. Directed by newcomer Elias Thorne, and starring rising talents Anya Petrova and Mark Jenkins, the film blends elements of folk horror, psychological thriller, and slow-burn suspense to create a chilling and unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll. While some critics found its pacing deliberate and its ambiguity frustrating, the film has largely been praised for its originality and its willingness to delve into the darker aspects of human nature within a seemingly idyllic rural setting.

Synopsis

The Sticks tells the story of Maya (Anya Petrova), a young woman seeking respite from the pressures of city life, who inherits her estranged grandmother's isolated farmhouse in the remote countryside. The farmhouse, situated near a dense and ancient forest, initially offers a sense of peace and tranquility. However, Maya soon discovers that the area is steeped in local folklore and unsettling rumors concerning strange occurrences and disappearances linked to the woods and, more specifically, to peculiar stick figures found scattered throughout the property. These aren't just random twigs; they are meticulously crafted effigies that seem to watch, to warn, and perhaps even to control.

As Maya attempts to settle in and unravel the mystery of her grandmother's past, she encounters Silas (Mark Jenkins), a local carpenter with a quiet intensity and intimate knowledge of the region's history and the local legends. Silas's initial helpfulness gradually gives way to a more enigmatic and potentially sinister presence. He seems to know more than he lets on about the stick figures and the dark secrets they represent.

Strange events begin to plague Maya. She experiences vivid nightmares, unsettling visions, and unexplained phenomena within the farmhouse. The stick figures appear to move, their positions subtly shifting, and the surrounding forest seems to close in on her, both physically and psychologically. Maya's grip on reality begins to unravel as she struggles to distinguish between hallucination and tangible threat. The line between folklore and reality blurs, forcing Maya to confront not only the external forces surrounding her but also the repressed traumas and anxieties within herself. The film culminates in a terrifying confrontation with the forces at play, forcing Maya to make a desperate choice with potentially devastating consequences.

Cast and Characters

The success of The Sticks owes much to its strong ensemble cast, particularly the lead performances of Anya Petrova and Mark Jenkins.

Themes and Interpretations

The Sticks is more than just a jump-scare-filled horror film; it explores several complex and nuanced themes that contribute to its lasting impact:

• Trauma and Memory: Maya's escape to the countryside is driven by a deep-seated trauma from her past. The film explores how unresolved trauma can manifest in psychological distress and distorted perceptions of reality. The farmhouse and the stick figures act as catalysts, unlocking buried memories and forcing Maya to confront her inner demons.
• Isolation and Paranoia: The film masterfully creates a sense of isolation, both physical and psychological. Maya's separation from her support network and her growing distrust of the locals contribute to her increasing paranoia. The vast, oppressive landscape amplifies her sense of vulnerability and fuels her descent into madness.
• Folklore and Belief: The film delves into the power of folklore and the hold that local legends can have on a community. The stick figures are not merely decorations; they are imbued with a history and a mythology that deeply affects the characters' perceptions and actions. The film questions the nature of belief and its potential to shape reality.
• The Dangers of the Past: The sins of the past, both personal and communal, haunt the present. Maya's grandmother's secrets and the dark history of the community come back to threaten her, highlighting the enduring impact of historical events and unresolved conflicts.
• The Nature of Evil: The film deliberately avoids easy answers about the source of the evil. Is it a supernatural force, a manifestation of Maya's psychological breakdown, or a combination of both? This ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations and encourages viewers to grapple with the complexities of human nature and the potential for darkness within us all.

Directorial Style and Cinematography

Elias Thorne's directorial debut is characterized by a masterful command of atmosphere and suspense. He employs several techniques to create a truly unsettling cinematic experience:

• Slow-Burn Pacing: The film deliberately unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the tension to build gradually. This slow-burn approach allows the audience to become deeply immersed in Maya's perspective and to share in her mounting unease.
• Atmospheric Cinematography: The cinematography, by renowned cinematographer Clara Dubois, is breathtaking. The use of wide shots emphasizing the vastness of the landscape and the oppressive nature of the forest creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The color palette is muted and earthy, reflecting the rural setting and contributing to the overall sense of unease. Night scenes are particularly effective, utilizing shadows and limited lighting to heighten the suspense.
• Sound Design: The sound design plays a crucial role in creating a sense of dread. The film utilizes subtle ambient sounds, unsettling creaks and whispers, and jarring bursts of noise to disorient the audience and heighten the tension. The absence of music in key scenes further amplifies the sense of unease.
• Symbolism and Visual Motifs: The film is rich in symbolism and visual motifs. The stick figures themselves are a powerful symbol of the unknown and the uncanny. Other recurring images, such as shadows, reflections, and decaying objects, contribute to the film's overall sense of dread and decay.

Critical Reception

The Sticks received a mixed but ultimately positive critical reception. Critics were largely impressed by the film's atmosphere, performances, and thematic depth, but some criticized its slow pace and ambiguous ending.

Box Office Performance

Despite its arthouse sensibilities and deliberate pacing, The Sticks performed surprisingly well at the box office. Its strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews helped it attract a dedicated audience, and its relatively low budget ensured its profitability. The film grossed over $50 million worldwide on a budget of $10 million, making it a commercial success for independent studio Blackwood Films.

Legacy and Impact

The Sticks has had a significant impact on the horror genre, inspiring other filmmakers to explore similar themes and styles. Its success has also helped to elevate the careers of Elias Thorne, Anya Petrova, and Mark Jenkins.

The film's influence can be seen in the rise of folk horror films that prioritize atmosphere and psychological tension over jump scares. It has also contributed to a renewed interest in the exploration of trauma and mental health within the horror genre. The Sticks stands as a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the enduring appeal of intelligent and thought-provoking horror.

Conclusion

The Sticks is a compelling and unsettling film that blends elements of folk horror, psychological thriller, and slow-burn suspense to create a truly memorable cinematic experience. While its deliberate pacing and ambiguous ending may not appeal to all viewers, its strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and exploration of complex themes make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. The film is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the enduring appeal of intelligent and thought-provoking horror. It leaves the audience contemplating the dark corners of the human psyche and the enduring power of folklore and belief.