There are two types of horror movies. The first is movie that everyone hears about and gets a wide release in theaters, and the second, the movie that nobody hears about because it is released straight to DVD. For those lucky enough to have never heard of Timber Falls, this article does come with an apology. But, for the sake of fairness, Timber Fallsstill deserves a fair excavation for cinematic quality and literary relevance. However, with that said, this movie is a knock off of so many horror movies of the past, and proves hard to watch.
The Set Up
Starting as if crafted from a tablet named Generic Horror Movie, Timber Falls jumps right into introducing a prelude to the killers and a glimpse of upcoming events (which, ironically, actually does not match what happens to the protagonists, or match the killing style of the antagonists).
However, the story quickly changes from the torture-porn esque shot, to introduce us to our two hopeful protagonists, Sheryl and Mike (played by Brianna Brown and Josh Randall respectively). But, as if having just watched a lady pull her hand out of a nail isn’t foreshadowing enough (pay attention to this, it is an important theme that will be jammed down your throat for the rest of the movie), Sheryl and Mike are warned about the crazy locals that live near the path they will be hiking.
Of course, they disobey the verbal warning and head down into an area they were advised to stay away from. Basically, the rest of the movie is an inset from Wrong Turn or Deliverance, but with minor alterations involving Christianity, a crazy redneck woman who wants a baby, and a faux-shotgun wedding for a young couple.
Christianity as an Excuse
Like many movies before it, Timber Fallsrelies on Christianity to provide depth for both the characters and the actions of the story (The Omen, Frailty, The Exorcism of Emily Rose). Because this method is easily accessible for the writers (being an old religion that is recognizable to almost all Americans and comes with a duffle bag full of preconceived notions and ideas), the dialogue of the film becomes nothing more than allusion and quotes (remember stigmata girl from the beginning?).
This is illustrated most frequently through the words and actions of Ida, who early on is established as a religious zealot and an advocate for Christian based relationships. Unfortunately, what is done here, is a few lines of dialogue that link her to her faith, which in turns allows the viewer to judge Ida based on what they think of Christianity and how Christians act (most would agree, however, that Ida is an extremist with some real wacky views).
Progressive Behavior
One of the major plot holes in this movie is the ability to tie religious theory to practice. Based on Clyde’s quote about Judas actions leading him to be in heaven, and humanities actions superseding earthly gifts in favor of the greater good (i.e. Heaven), we can deduct that Clyde comes from a post modern church that favors some sort of progressive Christianity. However, this view would radically differ from his outward actions that involve a shrine to the Virgin Mary, not accepting God’s will (of not being given a baby of their own), murder, and leaving Christianity at their own doorsteps (there was no indication of them actually belonging to a church and they live isolated in the middle of the woods). Essentially, there was a huge contradiction between Clyde and Ida’s religious views and actions, which could have possibly added a satirical element to the story, but instead made things worse.
