The Seeding

Being victimised by rapid teenagers is the worst nightmare of every middle-aged man. Though getting abuse at a bus stop or eggs thrown at your window pales in comparison to The Seeding, Barnaby Clay’s unnerving folk horror set in the desert.

Wyndham Stone (Scott Haze) is transversing the desert when he comes across a lost young boy. Refusing Wyndham’s offer of help, the boy runs away – and during pursuit Wyndham trips and finds himself waking up at the home of the mysterious Alina (Kate Lyn Shell). Alina seemingly lives alone in an inescapable canyon, and takes care of Wyndham whilst he recovers. But when a savage pack of boys reveal themselves living on the canyon’s overlook, Wyndham senses there is more of connection to Alina than she is willing to say.

The Seeding is a folk horror that is strong in design, atmosphere and depth, but misfires a little in delivery. Its unsettling central theme is the fear of disposal and replacement, with Wyndham constantly outwitted and mocked by the younger generation he is at the mercy of. His only solace is Alina, who shows him kindness but withdraws when he asks for help. The theme of masculinity runs through their relationship, as Wyndham feels an obligation to act as Alina’s caregiver even as it slowly becomes evident to all but himself that no one could coexist with her brutal neighbours without cooperation. Wyndham is unable to extract his traditional outlook of the world he knows in one that operates under very different rules.

However whilst its themes are evident, the glacial pace of the film means they unravel slowly – too slowly to satisfactorily come together in a way that feels insightful or engaging. It helps the viewer get a sense of time passing whilst Wyndham is trapped, but not always in a positive way. Long sequences between him and Alina only sparsely develop their relationship and drag, whilst confrontational interactions between Wyndham and the boys are the source of horror but end up repetitive. It doesn’t help that many viewers will quickly gain a sense of where the plot is heading and get there long before the film does.

The film has fantastic production values and looks great, particularly in how it creates the ambiance of a sweltering desert setting. The heat alone is enough to make this a horror, and the reoccurring raised perspective we get of Wyndham as he contemplates escape mean we are reminded of the burning and shining sun he is at war with as much as the boys who torment him. His hair and clothing remain intact a little too long for ones liking given the time he is trapped, but this is a forgivable faux pas.

Scott Haze is another strength, giving a brilliant leading performance as a man whose pride is his downfall. Wyndham feels he can win the boys around with leadership, adult authority and acts of strength – blind to the violent society they have created where brutality is the only force. He expertly portrays Wyndham’s growing madness and acceptance of this world, and excels in scenes of torment and suffering (his likeness of a certain Vice President is a little bonus for the viewer…).

The Seeding is an imperfect film but one that’s strengths shine. Its themes are interesting but explored in more inventive and striking ways by contemporaries like Men, and a slow narrative means some viewers will lose interest as the film drags in its second act. But a worthy central performance and strong production stand out and make it worth checking out for fans of folk horror stylings.