A Closer Look at Preservation (2014)
Preservation is a psychological survival thriller film released in 2014, written and directed by Christopher Denham. It features a minimalist cast and a contained wilderness setting to explore themes of survival, violence, and the breakdown of social norms. The film stars Wrenn Schmidt as Wit, Pablo Schreiber as Mike, and Aaron Staton as Sean.
The plot centers on three characters—Wit, her husband Mike, and his brother Sean—as they embark on a weekend hunting trip in a remote forest preserve. Mike is a former soldier with a controlling personality, while Sean is a recently discharged Marine struggling with trauma. Wit, a successful surgeon, accompanies them reluctantly, hoping the trip will help repair her strained relationship with Mike.
Once they reach the forest, the trio sets up camp, but things quickly spiral out of control. After a night of uneasy tension, they awaken to find their belongings—including their weapons, clothes, and cell phones—stolen. Their vehicle is sabotaged, and they are being stalked by mysterious masked assailants. Stripped of modern comforts and resources, the group must now survive with nothing but their instincts.
What initially seems like a conventional slasher premise transforms into a psychological battle of wills and wits. The film is notable for how it gradually shifts focus to Wit, who begins as a quiet observer but eventually becomes the central figure of resilience and determination. As Mike and Sean unravel under pressure, Wit finds herself forced into making brutal choices in order to survive.
Preservation makes strong use of its forest setting to create a sense of isolation and unease. The dense woods, with their eerie quiet and sense of endlessness, become a psychological trap for the characters. The cinematography emphasizes long shots, minimal dialogue, and a stark contrast between nature’s beauty and the brutality that unfolds within it.
One of the film's most striking features is its subversion of traditional gender roles. While the male characters posture and attempt to assert dominance, it is Wit—calm, methodical, and underestimated—who evolves into the most capable survivor. Her transformation from a passive participant to an empowered and violent protector is handled with intensity and emotional depth.
The masked attackers, revealed to be a group of teenage boys, add an unsettling layer of social commentary. Their cold detachment and use of modern technology to hunt their victims highlight themes of desensitization and moral decay in youth culture. This twist—shocking in its realism—sets Preservation apart from more formulaic survival thrillers.
Despite its thought-provoking themes, the film received mixed reviews. Some praised its slow-burning tension, strong performance by Wrenn Schmidt, and thematic ambition. Others criticized it for a lack of character development and a predictable plot. Still, it remains an effective low-budget thriller that offers more than just surface-level suspense.
In conclusion, Preservation is a chilling and atmospheric survival story that explores the thin line between civilization and savagery. With a tight narrative, strong lead performance, and a stark portrayal of human instinct, the film leaves a lasting impression on those who appreciate psychological horror grounded in reality.
