‘CAMP’ Review: Dreamlike Fantasy Horror Speaks to the Power of Letting Go

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As a fan, I’ve always been fascinated by how deeply trauma can affect someone, like it slowly takes over everything. But I recently saw this film, CAMP, by Avalon Fast, and it really spoke to how healing isn’t a straight line – it’s messy and unpredictable. What I loved is that the film shows how letting go of the past, forgiving yourself, and finding a fresh start can happen through connecting with others, embracing a little bit of magic, and even making sacrifices. It’s a powerful story about finding your way back to yourself.

I just finished watching this really interesting coming-of-age story about a young woman named Emily, played brilliantly by Zola Grimmer. She’s haunted by a tragic accident – she accidentally hit a little girl with her car, and the movie explores how that’s shaped her feelings about guilt and taking responsibility. The way they reveal this is so unique – it happens during a super awkward and darkly funny game of Truth or Dare. Seriously, imagine dropping ‘I killed a kid once’ into that – it completely changes everything!

Shortly after this discovery, Emily experienced another tragedy when a close friend died from a drug overdose. It seemed like misfortune followed her everywhere, and the events were described with such detail that arguing about who was at fault felt pointless. Emily naturally blamed herself, and her young life quickly filled with guilt, sadness, and a constant feeling of worry. When she moved in with her father to start over, he suggested she work as a counselor at a summer camp for troubled kids, but she was reluctant. As she grew more desperate for a fresh start and a sense of purpose, Emily decided to take the job. She quickly searched the camp online and was shocked to see pictures of crosses, realizing she was about to lead activities at a religious camp. This presented a challenge for Emily, who didn’t believe in God, and she found herself facing a situation where she was expected to have faith.

Despite being set at a Christian summer camp, the film CAMP isn’t particularly focused on religion and only briefly touches on feelings of guilt. However, it is a deeply spiritual experience. The film feels like a whimsical journey into a magical, comforting world where Emily can be herself. Surrounded by supportive and unconventional counselors, Emily is encouraged to confront her past traumas, leaving her caught between the familiar comfort of her old life and a liberating new world that embraces and heals her pain.

Wish Rituals, the Divine Feminine and Redemption

It doesn’t take long to realize the camp counselors aren’t what Emily expected. They’re all incredibly outgoing, and not at all the quiet, religious types she imagined. Her bunkmate, Rosie, is particularly striking with her piercings and tattoo. Rosie openly talks about the counselors’ partying and even offers Emily drugs. While she seems like a typical rebellious character, Rosie hints at a more complicated past, revealing she used to be a mother. Emily quickly realizes Rosie isn’t the only one at camp carrying hidden burdens.

Okay, so things really start to unravel for Emily when she’s put in charge of a camper named Eden. This little girl is… unsettling, to say the least. The film deliberately leaves you wondering who Eden really is, and honestly, it’s brilliant. Is she a manifestation of Emily’s guilt, a ghostly echo of the child she accidentally killed? The movie strongly hints at that connection, making their interactions deeply personal and disturbing. What’s really clever is how Eden’s scenes keep circling back to these recurring images – particularly this unnerving motif of blood – and themes of fate and bad luck. Their whole quest to find four-leaf clovers feels loaded with meaning, like it’s about so much more than just a childish game. It’s subtle, but it adds a real layer of psychological tension.

Emily forms strong connections with the counselors, particularly Clara (Izza Jarvis), who becomes a close confidante. The girls share wine and perform whimsical rituals in an attic, hinting at a more significant, mind-bending event during the full moon. The film suggests the girls’ supernatural abilities are tied to a sacrifice, leading to a complex and debatable message: CAMP argues that healing comes from connection, love, self-improvement, openness, and forgiving yourself. This makes the nature of the sacrifice—involving someone else, not self-sacrifice—feel unsettling. Ultimately, the film’s exploration of faith is challenging and thought-provoking, highlighted by the line: “God brought me to the devil and to my closest friends.”

Drawing comparisons to films like The Craft and Midsommar, and sharing thematic elements with Into the Dark: Pure, CAMP is a visually striking and thought-provoking horror film. While its story about guilt, grief, witchcraft, and female friendships occasionally feels unfocused, the film’s bold artistic choices – blending grainy footage, Renaissance-inspired visuals, and a beautiful forest setting – are truly impressive. It offers a potent feminist message and a unique cinematic experience.

Director Fast’s distinctive style truly stands out, and cinematographer Eily Sprungman has a gift for making even simple camera movements feel deeply personal. While the story in CAMP isn’t perfectly straightforward, the film’s visuals are stunning – images like luminous figures moving through forests or shimmering lakes are unforgettable. Scenes of Emily walking through bright fields or nervously navigating a dimly lit, red-tinged cabin are particularly striking and create a palpable sense of unease. If you’re willing to embrace a somewhat hazy story in favor of a visually captivating experience, CAMP is a beautiful film.

Following its debut at Fantastic Fest, the film CAMP resonated with audiences at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, exploring themes of female emotion and connection.

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2025-10-22 01:42