The Ranger – A Slasher in the Woods
The Ranger is a modern horror-thriller that takes the classic slasher formula into the wilderness. Directed by Jenn Wexler, the film follows a group of rebellious punk teenagers who flee the city after a violent encounter with the police. Seeking refuge, they retreat to a remote cabin in the woods, but their escape quickly spirals into a nightmare when they cross paths with a mysterious and relentless park ranger.
At the center of the story is Chelsea, a young woman torn between her troubled past and the reckless lifestyle of her friends. The ranger, played with chilling intensity, embodies both order and cruelty, turning the forest into a hunting ground where no one is safe. As the group’s anarchic energy collides with his ruthless sense of authority, the film explores themes of rebellion, control, and survival.
The atmosphere is thick with tension, enhanced by a synth-driven soundtrack that fuses punk energy with eerie undertones. The wooded setting becomes more than a backdrop—it transforms into a character itself, isolating the teens and magnifying their fear. With sharp editing and bursts of shocking violence, The Ranger pays homage to classic slashers of the 80s while injecting a modern edge that reflects youth culture and authority clashes.
Though brutal and unsettling, the film also carries a satirical undertone, poking at the thin line between freedom and chaos, protection and oppression. For fans of indie horror, The Ranger offers a wild, blood-soaked ride that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
