Nature is therapeutic. Society has always gone outside to rejuvenate, meditate, and gain perspective. There have been studies on the mental health advantages of nature, including the benefits for those with PTSD. Consider this study from Great Outdoors Lab, which found “conclusive evidence that getting outdoors improves physical, mental, and social well-being.” In Joe Lo Truglio‘s new film, Outpost, trauma survivor Kate (Beth Dover) attempts to escape her PTSD in the dense Idaho wilderness.
Studies aside, there are obvious reasons why people who have experienced trauma should seek professional assistance and support above all else. It can be a challenging hill to climb alone, with unintended consequences. Despite these very concerns from her best friend, Kate accepts a temporary job as a wilderness ranger, whose sole responsibility is to reside in a secluded tower and watch for forest fires. However, Kate becomes paranoid about the intentions of people she meets and continues to relive her abuse. It soon affects her judgment and sanity.
Director and writer Joe Lo Truglio is best known for his roles in mainstream comedies such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Reno 911, and American Dad, so Outpost is an unexpected debut feature as a filmmaker. He demonstrates his range and love for horror by penning a story that, while not entirely original, is well-executed. There is clear inspiration from several classic genre films, with The Shining being the most obvious.
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Outpost is Truglio’s passion project, and he couldn’t have asked for a better cast to bring his vision to life. Beth Dover (Orange Is the New Black) took the lead, with Ato Essandoh (Chicago Med), Dylan Baker (Prime Video’s Hunters), Becky Ann Baker (Peacock+’s The Resort), Dallas Roberts (The Walking Dead), and Ta’Rea Campbell in supportive roles. Dover expresses every emotion on her face, making us uneasy even in stillness. We want Kate to be safe — from men, from herself — after such a traumatic event, yet the tension persists, making us question where her story is heading until the end.
The film was shot on location in the vast Idaho wilderness, and despite the behind-the-scenes challenges that the cast and crew certainly encountered, it was well worth the effort. Location is essential in Outpost, and it was prudent not to limit or fake Kate’s surroundings. The panning mountain shots are stunning, but the watchtower scenes are even more impressive. Shooting from within an enclosed space while capturing the broad scope of Mother Nature gives a sense of claustrophobia that shouldn’t exist in that setting.
While Outpost may tell a familiar tale of survival, this elevated indie is a solid entry in the psychological horror subgenre. Fans will always love Truglio for his comedic roles, but let’s hope he has more horror up his sleeve. You can check it out in theaters and On Demand on May 19th via Gravitas Ventures.
