Reflective Encounters

“A tangle of fallen branches. Bloodied teeth. A wandering body. Something mind-bending lurks in the woods in this confidently crafted horror. Gripping from the first shot - a dark, damp woodland of indeterminable era or place - Once Familiar leads us on a metaphysical journey, questioning the nature of self and time. Created by a talented team with a singular vision, each part of this film feels assured - we can almost reach out and touch the dark soil, feel the breeze as it breathes through the trees.

Horror is a popular genre for budding filmmakers, but it can be a difficult one to master. Here, rather than relying on out-and-out terror or jump scares, the filmmakers lean into creating a captivating puzzle and an addictive sense of foreboding. The quiet restraint of Once Familiar is admirable, steadily drawing us into the mystery without rushing to make us solve it. Special mention should go to Lex Guelas’ editing, which deftly delivers invigorating tonal shifts.

Concise and mysterious, this is the kind of film to spawn lengthy discussion threads and various theories - a great accomplishment. Once Familiar proves that a simple premise can be captivating in the right hands.”

— Malaika Kegode