Nerdly » ‘825 Forest Road’ Review (Shudder)

09th Apr2025

‘825 Forest Road’ Review (Shudder)

by Phil Wheat

Stars: Elizabeth Vermilyea, Joe Falcone, Kathryn Miller, Lorenzo Beronilla, Darin F. Earl II, Leyah Rose | Written and Directed by Stephen Cognetti

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a horror film that takes its time. 825 Forest Road, from writer/director Stephen Cognetti (Hell House LLC), is one of those rare slow-burners that doesn’t rush to its scares but lets them simmer just under the surface. From the moment I pressed play, I felt that creeping unease that only good horror knows how to deliver—a subtle, tightening grip that doesn’t let go until the final frame.

The story centers around Chuck Wilson, who relocates to the sleepy town of Ashland Falls with his wife Maria and his younger sister Isabelle after suffering a family tragedy. The trio seeks peace, maybe even healing—but instead, they find a town haunted by a local legend. That legend is Helen Foster, a woman who took her life in the 1940s and whose spirit reportedly still lingers, tethered to the mysterious and possibly nonexistent address, the titular 825 Forest Road.

What I appreciated most about 825 Forest Road is how grounded it feels, even as it slips deeper into the supernatural. The town of Ashland Falls is richly drawn—charming on the surface, but riddled with secrets. There’s something just off about it from the start. The locals avoid certain topics, and when Chuck starts digging into the mystery of Helen Foster, it’s clear that his family’s safety depends on what he uncovers.

The performances here are strong, especially from the lead Joe Falcone. Chuck is portrayed with a quiet intensity that really drives the film’s emotional core. He’s grieving, desperate, but also rational—which is rare in horror protagonists. His wife Maria is given more depth than I expected, and their dynamic feels believable, even under supernatural strain. Isabelle, the younger sister, brings a vulnerability that ups the emotional stakes.

Atmosphere is everything in 825 Forest Road. The cinematography leans into shadow, reflection, and negative space—those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments that keep you on edge. The horror is psychological, and while there are a few jump scares, the film relies more on mood and suggestion. It doesn’t hold your hand. It lets you feel your way through the darkness, which I loved.

That said, the film isn’t perfect. Some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped, and the final act flirts with predictability. I saw a few twists coming a mile away. But even when the narrative follows familiar beats, the execution is strong enough that I didn’t mind.

Overall, 825 Forest Road is a thoughtful, eerie exploration of loss, memory, and the things we can’t leave behind. It’s not flashy, but it lingers. And if you’re in the mood for something more cerebral and haunting than your typical haunted house fare, this one deserves your time. Just maybe don’t watch it alone.