In The Forest Hills, a psychological horror film about werewolves and mental unraveling, surviving is all about staying alert, prepared, and mentally strong. The movie focuses on Rico, a man who suffers from nightmarish visions after a traumatic head injury while camping in the Catskills.
Step 1: Stay Clear of Isolated Areas
Avoid the Woods Alone
One of the first rules for surviving this film is not to venture into remote, wooded areas, especially if you’re already mentally or physically vulnerable. Isolation increases the likelihood of encountering unknown threats, be it supernatural or psychological. If you’re in such an area, avoid going out alone, particularly at night, when dangers multiply.
Stick Together
Always have a companion or group with you. Staying together in numbers makes it harder for both human or supernatural threats to target you. In The Forest Hills, Rico finds himself alone far too often, which allows his mind to play tricks on him. If he had more support, he might have been able to avoid some of the psychological traps set by his condition.
Step 2: Fortify Your Shelter
Secure Your Living Space
If you’re stuck in a cabin or campsite, make sure it’s secure. Check for vulnerabilities in the building or tent and fortify them. This can mean boarding up windows, locking doors, or even setting up makeshift barricades around the perimeter. Any noises or strange occurrences outside? Stay indoors and avoid investigating—curiosity often leads to danger.
Set Traps
To ensure you’re not caught by surprise, set traps or alarms around your campsite. This will give you time to react if something—or someone—approaches. Make sure you’re aware of escape routes as well, just in case you need to flee quickly.
Step 3: Maintain Mental Strength
Recognize Mental Decline
Rico’s biggest battle in The Forest Hills is with his mind. The werewolf elements reflect his deteriorating mental state. In survival situations, especially those involving isolation, your mind can become your biggest enemy. Regularly check in with yourself and your companions to make sure that you’re mentally stable.
Don’t Dismiss Hallucinations
If you’re seeing or hearing things that others aren’t, don’t just ignore it. While hallucinations might indicate exhaustion or stress, they can also point to an underlying danger. Take a moment to evaluate the situation and consult others around you. Never brush off strange occurrences without investigating safely.
Step 4: Defend Yourself
Be Armed
In a setting like the one in The Forest Hills, having some form of protection is essential. Whether it’s a firearm, a large knife, or even a blunt object, being able to defend yourself in case of a physical threat is vital. Rico’s mental state makes him vulnerable to real dangers, but having weapons nearby could have helped.
Fire and Light
Werewolves and other creatures of folklore often fear light and fire. If you’re facing unknown dangers in the woods, make sure to keep a fire going at night and have backup light sources like flashlights or lanterns. This can keep potential threats at bay while also boosting your morale.
Step 5: Know When to Get Out
Trust Your Instincts
In The Forest Hills, Rico’s visions become too overwhelming, and his psychological condition worsens. If you ever start feeling that things are getting out of hand, leave immediately. When paranoia or fear reaches a peak, trust your instincts and get out before you’re trapped in a situation where you lose control.
Escape Routes
Always know your exits. Whether it’s from the cabin or campsite, or if you’re deeper in the woods, map out how you’ll escape if things go wrong. Keeping your bearings can make all the difference when panic sets in.
Stay Smart, Stay Alive
In The Forest Hills, the key to survival is awareness—both of your surroundings and your mental state. Avoid isolation, prepare your shelter, and arm yourself. Most importantly, trust your instincts and don’t let fear take over. If you stay alert, you can make it out of the woods alive.