The latest release from IFC Midnight, Rust Creek, opens with a determined young woman named Sawyer (Hermione Corfield, Slaughterhouse Rulez, Sea Fever), embarking on a journey to a job interview. Her straightforward trip takes a perilous turn when she becomes lost in the dense woods of Kentucky. This twist of fate quickly escalates into a fight for her life when she inadvertently witnesses brothers Hollister (Micah Hauptman, Phobias, The Boy Behind the Door) and Buck (Daniel R. Hill, Hunter’s Moon, Wrong Turn) burying a body.

Realizing they’ve been seen, the men, portrayed as ruthless and dangerous, attack her. Sawyer, displaying remarkable resilience and quick thinking, manages to fight them off but is forced deeper into the wilderness, where she must navigate both the terrain and the threat of her pursuers.

Jen McGowan (Confessions of a Late Bloomer, Kelly & Cal) directs Rust Creek with an eye towards building tension and atmosphere. The screenplay by Julie Lipson (The Snow Queen, The River) turns what could have been a clichéd story into a more engaging and interesting narrative. While the setup, a lone woman facing danger in the woods, is a staple of the thriller genre, McGowan and Lipson imbue it with layers of character development and unexpected plot turns.

Most importantly, Sawyer is not merely a damsel in distress; she is depicted as tough and resourceful, qualities that become increasingly vital as the story progresses. Her struggle for survival is intensified when she encounters Lowell (Jay Paulson, Mad Men, Knox Goes Away), a meth cooker who initially seems as much a threat as a potential ally.

Lowell’s character is linked to the same criminal elements that threaten Sawyer, both by blood and by deed, creating a complicated dynamic between the two. His ambiguous nature, part saviour, part villain, adds depth to the narrative, forcing our heroine to navigate not only the physical dangers of the wilderness but also the moral ambiguities of trusting someone with a dubious past.

Rust Creek is characterized by its slow-burn approach, with a runtime of 108 minutes that allows the story to unfold gradually, perhaps a bit too gradually because while the deliberate pacing helps to build suspense, it might feel overly drawn out to some viewers. The film slowly and systematically drops the pieces of the story into place, constructing a scenario where Sawyer’s options become increasingly limited, heightening the sense of danger.

However, this measured pace also leaves room for moments that feel too familiar or predictable within the genre. The interactions between Sawyer and Lowell, while generally effective, occasionally dip into contrived or unrealistic territory, which can momentarily disrupt the immersion.

Editing could have tightened Rust Creek’s story and potentially shaving off a few minutes to maintain a more consistent pace. Some dialogue exchanges, particularly between Sawyer and Lowell, verge on the implausible, momentarily breaking the suspension of disbelief. Despite these minor flaws, the film successfully builds toward a gripping climax, delivering an ending that is both thrilling and satisfying.

The publicity for Rust Creek emphasizes its female-led creative team, including the director, writer, and key crew members. This aspect is noteworthy in an industry where women are often underrepresented in such roles. However, viewers expecting the film to offer a markedly different perspective or narrative approach because of it might find themselves underwhelmed, as the film doesn’t stray that far from what we’ve come to expect from these kinds of films.

On one hand, Rust Creek demonstrates that women can craft a thriller with the same intensity and effectiveness as their male counterparts. On the other hand, it could be seen as a missed opportunity to infuse the genre with a distinctly female perspective to the storytelling.

In the end, Rust Creek is a competent and engaging thriller that, while not groundbreaking, effectively uses its familiar elements to create a suspenseful and entertaining story. It showcases the talents of its cast and crew, particularly Corfield’s compelling performance as Sawyer and McGowan’s adept direction. Whether it represents a step forward for women in film or simply another entry in the thriller genre depends on the viewer’s expectations and perspective. Regardless, Rust Creek stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of stories about survival and resilience in the face of danger.

Rust Creek is available on various streaming services via IFC Midnight.