In the depths of an ancient forest, something has been growing. Something older than humanity itself, and perhaps greater too. When a park ranger discovers a man and his son living wild, she stumbles onto a secret that is about to change the world. A film by Jaco Bouwer, starring Monique Rockman, Carel Nel, Alex van Dyk, and Anthony Oseyemi.

Gliding along the tranquil river, two forestry officials, Winston (Anthony Oseyemi) and Gabi (Monique Rockman), navigate their canoe through the heart of Tsitsikamma forest. As Gabi maneuvers the drone, its camera lens unveils the hidden secrets of the verdant expanse. Unexpectedly, the drone captures the fleeting image of an elusive figure. Suddenly, the drone’s connection falters, and Gabi struggles to regain control.

As Winston expresses his apprehension about possible perils she might face, Gabi resolves to venture into the forest to reclaim the fallen drone. Guided by her unwavering sense of responsibility as a forestry official, she cannot bear the thought of leaving such an item to pollute the pristine environment. Winston, recognizing the validity of her reasoning, reluctantly agrees to let her navigate the dense foliage, promising to await her arrival on the other side.

As Gabi traverses the forest, she unwittingly triggers a trap, sending a sharp wooden stake piercing her foot. Stranded and unable to reach Winston, Gabi musters her strength to remove the stake and drags herself towards the fading light as darkness engulfs the forest. Stumbling upon a rustic wooden house, she decides to seek refuge within its walls, hoping for a brief respite from her ordeal. Barend (Carel Nel) and his son Stefan (Alex van Dyk), seasoned survivalists who have forsaken the comforts of civilization for the tranquility of the forest, return to their home only to discover Gabi resting within. Barend, initially suspicious of Gabi’s motives, fearing she might be an intruder sent to disrupt their peaceful existence, relents upon noticing the severity of her injury. Guided by compassion, they offer Gabi medical assistance, tending to her wounded foot.

On the other side of the forest, Winston is worried as he waits for Gabi who has not shown up. Feared that something might happen to her, he recklessly walks through the forest, hoping to find her. Little does he know that as darkness descends, the forest undergoes a sinister transformation. Lurking beneath the gnarled branches and tangled undergrowth, eyeless creatures stir from their slumber. The wind whistles through the trees, carrying with it the eerie melody of the creatures’ haunting cries. The roots of the ancient trees writhe and twist, reaching out like grasping claws, as if yearning to ensnare the unsuspecting wanderer.

In the heart of the night, a creature devoid of eyes crashes into Barend’s house, its presence as inexplicable as the forest itself. Gabi’s perception of this woodland realm is irrevocably altered, her mind grappling with the reality of this extraordinary encounter. Stefan, driven by instinct and a surge of adrenaline, launches an attack, his efforts leaving a mark on the creature, sending it reeling back into the depths of the forest.

Nature’s untamed power holds within it an element of danger that often surpasses our comprehension. The filmmaker masterfully weaves together the eerie and the unknown, employing silence and unsettling sounds while the camera pans across the scene, evoking a sense of palpable dread in the viewer. The forest’s dense foliage conceals countless unseen corners, amplifying the fear of the unknown, especially under the cloak of night.

GAIA captivates the viewer with its mesmerizing cinematography, showcasing a series of unforgettable scenes. The sweeping wide-angle shot of the boundless forest, the exquisite close-up of mushroom spores delicately floating in mid-air, and the breathtaking night scene, rendered in exquisite detail, all contribute to the film’s enigmatic atmosphere. The exceptional visual effects and haunting music further enhance the mystery of the forest, leaving a lasting impression that transcends the narrative itself.

GAIA premiered at SXSW on 16 March 2021. The film received a limited theatrical release in the United States on 18 June, by Decal.