The Forest – A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller with a Romantic Twist

Sponsored Feature: Twin Hearts Productions in association with Sonvelt Media

The Forest is a post-apocalyptic romantic drama written by Reine Swart and directed by Hendrik Cronje and Mari Molefe van Heerden.

Watch the trailer here:

A young man believes he is the last person alive in a post-apocalyptic world, lost in a deep forest, until he stumbles upon a beautiful and mysterious woman who cannot speak. She is being pursued by a group of bandits who desperately need her magical abilities. This post-apocalyptic love story features distinct characters, magical elements, a romantic twist, and a dystopian milieu.

A Q&A with Lead Actress Simone Neethling

Welcome, Simone! Thanks for joining us to discuss your new post-apocalyptic thriller The Forest. What drew you to this project, and what was it about the script or character that resonated with you?

Thank you! Finding out that Em was a voiceless character drew me in. I’ve always been interested in exploring telling a story in unconventional ways. Also, the fact that it was an all-female producer team appealed to me.

You mentioned your character doesn’t speak, which must have presented some unique challenges as an actress. Can you take us through your process for conveying emotion and telling your character’s story without dialogue?

So, first I had to find her way of communication. Any response ‘lines’ she had had to be turned into body language or a kind of sign language. Since Heinrich is one of the first people who actually talks and engages with her, I wanted her responses to stay minimalistic. Because I’m a dancer, non-verbal communication had just made sense to me. I’ve always used my body and movement to express myself or a narrative I’m trying to tell. I think the biggest challenge was keeping everything small. She also communicates a lot through her eyes, she’s become so used to not being allowed to use her hands, only when told to, so her eyes have become her own main way of trying to communicate with someone who actively wants to listen.

The Forest Indie Horror Starring Simone Neethling

What did you enjoy most about bringing your character, Em, to life, and what do you think are her most essential qualities?

Her heart. I adored this girl with this gentle heart who has had to go on and keep living for someone else. I think she’s very brave as well. And she’s adventurous! As soon as her and Heinrich built trust, all she wanted to do with him was explore.

I adored this girl with this gentle heart who has had to go on and keep living for someone else.

The relationship between your character and the male lead played by Ruan Wessels is a central focus of the film. What was it like building that connection and chemistry with your co-star?

I think it became pretty easy to bond with each other with the location we were in. We were both a bit in the deep end in nature, him with insects and myself with mosquito bites. Also, the cast as a whole all really just got along so working together felt really easy.

What was your biggest challenge while filming The Forest?

It was my first ever movie so I was a bit stressed about my own arc and whether or not it would translate. Especially since Em is mute. At times I had a bit of imposter syndrome creeping in…like will audiences even understand what I’m trying to say or do? Am I even making sense, etc. But I had good company around me to help get me out of any bad head spaces.

What do you hope audiences take away from this unique blend of romance, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic drama?

I think the message is up for interpretation. I certainly took away from shooting, that nature can be cruel but it can also be so so rewarding.

Watch the full film for free on janson.tv or on Prime Video.