Following a nervous breakdown, Ian wants to get as far away from humanity as possible. He embarks on a four-day tramp through the New Zealand bush.
Loop Track, directed and penned by the talented Thomas Sainsbury, takes us on an enthralling journey deep into the human psyche. This Kiwi film masterfully navigates the intricate facets of isolation, paranoia, and involuntary human interactions. While its origins as a self-funded, low-budget production may be evident, the film compensates with its meticulous exploration of interpersonal fears and anxieties.
In the film, Sainsbury immerses himself in the character of Ian, a complex individual who, despite being ill-prepared for the challenge, embarks on a solitary trek along one of New Zealand's lengthiest tracks - the loop track. Ian's objective appears straightforward: to elude the inner demons and insecurities that torment him and to steer clear of any human contact during his sojourn through the wilderness.
Loop Track deftly interlaces humour with suspense, crafting an atmosphere that keeps viewers perpetually on edge. As Ian encounters an array of strangers along the trail, the audience keenly senses his immediate dread at the prospect of socializing with these unfamiliar faces. Sainsbury's portrayal of Ian, a socially awkward and pallid character, strikes a chord, evoking both sympathy and cringing empathy from the audience.
Beyond being a mere wilderness thriller, Loop Track stands as an exploration of isolation and the tensions that arise when diverse individuals find themselves thrust into close proximity. The film delves deeply into the intricacies of relationships between strangers and the subtleties of shared experiences. It skillfully plumbs the depths of its characters' psyches, prompting viewers to question their motivations and actions.
While Loop Track maintains an understated and restrained tone throughout, it cleverly employs relatable humour to build and amplify the tension. The interplay between extroverted and introverted personalities, the generational divide between baby boomers and millennials, and the perennial tug-of-war between the desire for solitude and the dread of isolation in a remote locale—all these elements contribute to the film's gripping and relatable atmosphere.
However, it's worth noting that the film's eventual climax may come across as somewhat more whimsical than anticipated. This divergence from the otherwise tightly wound and suspenseful narrative may leave some viewers feeling less satisfied.
Loop Track offers a twisted and spine-tingling odyssey into the depths of the human psyche when confronted with the vast wilderness and the company of enigmatic strangers. While it may carry the hallmark signs of an indie production with its modest budget, it compensates with its surprising psychological depth and examination of human trepidations and anxieties. This film will keep you guessing until the very end and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the intricate dynamics of human relationships, especially when the stakes of survival are high.
Loop Track is in NZ cinemas from November 2nd, 2023