
The eco-horror film The Ruins, a hidden gem in the genre, became available on Paramount+ on March 1st and is well worth a watch. Directed by Carter Smith in his first feature film, it’s based on Scott B. Smith’s 2006 novel. The story follows a group of American tourists in Mexico whose relaxing vacation quickly turns into a desperate struggle for survival. They’re drawn to a secluded, uncharted Mayan temple and find themselves trapped by suspicious locals and terrifying, carnivorous vines. While the film didn’t achieve mainstream success or critical acclaim, and was often overlooked in ‘best of’ lists, it offers a truly original and frightening take on the creature feature.