🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ben Wheatley
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama
- Release year: 2021
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 5.1/10 (44k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two scientists go camping during a pandemic, meet a weirdo who likes taking artsy photos of them, and then the forest starts having a rave.
🍿 In the Earth: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Journey Begins
Set against the backdrop of a global pandemic, scientist Martin Lowery ventures into a remote, government-controlled forest. His mission is to reconnect with Dr. Olivia Wendle, his former colleague and ex-lover, who is conducting research on mycorrhiza to enhance crop yields. He’s paired with Alma, a park scout familiar with the local area.

Descent into Madness
As Martin and Alma journey deeper into the woods, they encounter unsettling signs, including an abandoned campsite. They are attacked one night, their supplies stolen, and Martin sustains a serious foot injury. This leads them to Zach, a recluse living in the forest, who offers them aid but harbors sinister intentions.

Rituals and Revelations
Zach drugs Martin and Alma, performing bizarre rituals on them and marking Martin with strange symbols. They manage to escape, eventually finding Olivia’s research camp. However, Olivia’s experiments and connection to Zach reveal a descent into madness, driven by local folklore and attempts to communicate with a mysterious entity within the forest.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Martin Lowery (Joel Fry): A scientist venturing into the forest to reconnect with his former colleague during a pandemic, only to face unsettling and bizarre encounters.
- Alma (Ellora Torchia): A park scout who guides Martin through the forest and becomes entangled in the strange and dangerous events unfolding.
- Zach (Reece Shearsmith): A deranged man living in the woods who performs bizarre rituals and poses a threat to Martin and Alma.
- Olivia Wendle (Hayley Squires): A scientist conducting unusual experiments in the forest, driven by a desire to communicate with a mysterious presence.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Zach: “Can you feel him now? In the Earth?” – Zach asks this question, alluding to the presence or entity that he believes resides within the forest.
- Olivia: “We’re on the verge of understanding something profound.” – Olivia expresses her dedication to her research and her belief that they are close to a major breakthrough.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $1,113,723
- Worldwide Gross: $1,330,723
💥 In the Earth Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, I went into this movie expecting a horror film, and I got… something else. The first half had me hooked with the creepy atmosphere and the mystery of the forest. But then it went completely off the rails into psychedelic weirdness. I honestly didn’t know what was happening half the time. The strobe lights gave me a headache, and the ending felt like a cop-out. It might appeal to some, but I left feeling confused and slightly annoyed. Honestly, I think I’ll stick to more straightforward horror movies in the future.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of folk horror”
- “Viewers interested in psychological thrillers”
- “Those who enjoy ambiguous and thought-provoking endings”
- “People who like experimental or arthouse horror films”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Grisly images”
- “Language”
- “Flashing lights (photosensitive epilepsy warning)”
Professional Reviews
- Slash Film: “A blend of cosmic and folk horror, ‘In the Earth’ delivers a chilling, if somewhat perplexing, experience. The film’s unsettling atmosphere and stunning visuals are marred by a convoluted plot.
- Hollywood Reporter: “Ineffectual Welsh Folk Horror. A disappointing entry into the folk horror genre, ‘In the Earth’ fails to fully realize its potential. The film is a confusing plot and a lack of scares make this one to skip.
Audience Reactions
The movie has cool psychedelic visuals.: Viewers appreciate the unique cinematography and visual effects, but are often confused by the plot.
Overall Consensus: A visually striking but ultimately confusing folk horror film that divides audiences with its psychedelic imagery and ambiguous plot.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Ben Wheatley conceived, wrote, and produced ‘In the Earth’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the limitations of the time to create a story set in isolation.”
- “The soundtrack was partially created using sounds derived from plants, contributing to the film’s unsettling and organic atmosphere.”
🖥️ How to Watch In the Earth?
In the Earth is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for rental or purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed In the Earth, you might like these similar films:
- Annihilation (2018): Both films explore the unsettling and transformative power of nature in a quarantined zone, featuring surreal and visually striking sequences.
- The Ritual (2017): Shares the folk horror elements of a group getting lost in the woods and encountering ancient, malevolent forces.
- A Field in England (2013): Another Ben Wheatley film that delves into bizarre, psychedelic experiences and historical occultism in a rural setting.
🛒 In the Earth Related Products
- Annihilation [Blu-ray]: If you liked the psychedelic horror of In the Earth, you might love Annihilation. It has similar themes of nature turning against humanity
- The Wicker Man (1973) [Blu-ray]: A classic of the folk horror genre, ‘The Wicker Man’ explores similar themes of paganism, isolation, and ritualistic practices.
- Midsommar [Blu-ray]: If you like the strange ritualistic stuff, you may like Midsommar
- Gaia [Blu-ray]: If you like the strange ritualistic stuff, you may like Gaia
🎧 Soundtrack
In the Earth features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
In the Earth is a folk horror film about a scientist and park scout venturing into a forest during a pandemic. They encounter strange individuals and unsettling phenomena, blurring the lines between science, folklore, and the power of nature.
The film creates a sense of unease through psychological horror and disturbing imagery. The movie features flashing lights and intense sound design and may not be suitable for everyone. User reviews suggest that it is a good art house film that is still scary.
The ending is intentionally ambiguous, suggesting the forest’s influence and the potential corruption of human nature. It implies that the forest has a sentience that the human characters are attempting to reach.
🔥 Bonus Content
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Still scratching your head about what *really* happened in Prometheus? Chris Stuckmann breaks it all down in this awesome review, explaining those confusing plot points and philosophical themes. Honestly, it made the movie way more enjoyable for me!
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