Plank Face (2016)
Directed by Scott Schirmer · 2016 · Nathan Barrett, Susan M Martin, Brigid Macaulay, Alyss Winkler, Jason Hignite
In Scott Schirmer’s 2016 horror film Plank Face, a man is captured by a feral family deep in the woods, where his captivity becomes a brutal, intimate campaign to reshape him—body and mind—into one of their own. The film leans into the raw, unsettling traditions of rural horror and psychological dread, evoking the claustrophobic tension of films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Believers, but with a more intimate, almost ritualistic focus. There are no jump scares or supernatural elements; the horror is human, methodical, and suffocating. The performances by Nathan Barrett as the captive and Susan M. Martin, Brigid Macaulay, and Alyss Winkler as members of the family convey a chilling normalcy to their grotesque mission. The tone is grim, unflinching, and deliberately slow, allowing the viewer to sit in the discomfort of forced assimilation. The film’s style is low-budget but intentional, using natural lighting and handheld camerawork to amplify the sense of realism and isolation. This is not a film for casual viewers; it’s for audiences drawn to austere, character-driven horror that prioritizes atmosphere over spectacle, and psychological erosion over gore. Those who appreciate films where the monster is not a creature but a system of control will find Plank Face a haunting, if uncompromising, experience.
Why it’s worth watching
Plank Face (2016) offers a rare, grounded take on horror that avoids clichés and instead focuses on the terrifying intimacy of forced transformation. With a lean runtime of 91 minutes and a cast led by Nathan Barrett and Susan M. Martin, the film delivers a tightly wound, emotionally raw narrative. Director Scott Schirmer crafts a world where the horror lies not in what’s seen, but in what’s endured—making it a standout for fans of slow-burn, psychological horror. Its authenticity and unvarnished tone make it a compelling watch for those seeking substance over spectacle.
Trivia
- Directed by Scott Schirmer
- Released in 2016
- Runtime: 91 minutes
- Starring Nathan Barrett, Susan M. Martin, Brigid Macaulay, Alyss Winkler, Jason Hignite, Ellie Church, Dave Parker, Lexi Thompson
- Genre: Horror