Loop Track (2023) Review

Loop Track (2023) Review

Exclusively on ARROW this July, Loop Track, an electrifying journey into the unknown from Kiwi writer-director and actor Tom Sainsbury. Known for his comedic flair in such works as Wellington Paranormal and Guns Akimbo, Sainsbury stars as a hiker whose solo trek in the New Zealand bush takes a very unexpected turn.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

Highly anxious Ian Thompson (Sainsbury) sets off on a solo trek in the New Zealand bush for some respite from the stress of everyday life. His plans for uninterrupted solitude are scuppered however, when he encounters Nicky (Hayden J Weal) and other hikers, only exacerbating his paranoia. As Ian’s grip on reality weakens, he becomes convinced they are being followed. Miles from civilisation, their journey turns into a fight for survival as Ian’s fears manifest into a surreal battle against an unseen threat lurking in the wilderness. Is it all just in his head? Or is someone, or something, really out there?

Tom Sainsbury and Hayden J. Weal were previously responsible for 2020’s horror comedy DEAD, which saw Weal in the directing seat with both starring, whereas LOOP TRACK sees Sainsbury being in charge whilst both again feature in front of the camera. Like DEAD, LOOP TRACK is another mix of winning deadpan humour – New Zealand humour is a must as it always hits home, check out recent TV series DEADLOCH, which also featured Weal – and horror with a small but stellar cast for the audience to warm to.

The scares work, the gore is fleeting but still delivers and I really did not see it culminating in a creature feature climax. Fortunately, the film’s last moments do not jar but sit well with what preceded it instead even it does feel like it has come from a different movie.

LOOP TRACK is available on ARROW and Limited-Edition Blu-ray from 8th July.