What It Is: Following a horrific tragedy a mother (Tran) and her daughter (Aria Kim) move into a new home in Rock Spring, Wyoming. What they do not know is that in that very same place in 1885 many Chinese migrant miners were slaughtered by white miners. As those spirits begin to rise the family’s Nai Nai (Fu) may not have helped the cause with her superstitious behavior. This has all led to something beginning to move around in the forest surrounding the home. When her daughter disappears all these elements will come to a head.

What We Think: I think the way this film is structured is what might be my biggest issue. It tells us the story of what happened at Rock Spring after introducing us to the family. I think opening with this would’ve been a stronger play. It gets us emotional early but gives time for the other plot points to more naturally fall into place. Kelly Marie Tran is quietly composed as a mother experiencing a heavy grief. My feelings on the flow of this film also have a lot to do with how good the scenes of 1885 Rock Springs are. It’s great, but like a jarring experience that again, seemed misplaced.

Our Grade: C+, I was massively disappointed with this. Thankfully it isn’t a bad film. Just a misguided one. Vera Miao is clearly going to get better behind the lens and that’s inspiring because she did a phenomenal job even if the edit undid some of the film’s goodwill. It’s clear Vera can direct actors and get plenty out of their talents. Tran chief amongst them. One aspect of this film that is truly great is the look of it all. The cinematography is gorgeous. The forest looks lush and beautiful and the home they live in breaths a sense of darkness and dread. Maybe they’ll fix the film’s biggest issue before its release. If they do I’ll happily revisit this article for reassessment.