‘Brightwood’ is a horror-thriller film that came out in 2023. It was directed and written by Dane Elcar and stars Dana Berger and Max Woertendyke. The film was released on August 22, 2023, and is available to watch on Tubi. Since its release, ‘Brightwood’ has become quite popular on social media. Although it was made for just $14,000 during the pandemic, the film started going viral on TikTok and Instagram in July 2024. Users shared clips from the movie, which quickly gained millions of views. This success led Elcar to re-share the clips on Instagram, where they also went viral.
In ‘Brightwood,’ the story revolves around Jen and Dan, who find themselves in a strange and frustrating situation at a pond. They intended to take just one lap around the pond before heading home, but they keep encountering the same “no-swimming” sign and cannot find their way back. Even though the day seems sunny and normal, they feel trapped as the forest seems to close in on them. The movie, directed by Dane Elcar, is about a couple whose relationship is falling apart. They end up in a surreal, time-loop-like situation. The film is inspired by time-loop concepts and reflects the emotional cycles that can happen in troubled relationships. Jen and Dan’s arguments and their struggle to escape the pond mirror their personal issues, creating a mix of horror and dark comedy.
Where was “Brightwood” Filmed?
“Brightwood” was entirely filmed in Rockaway, New Jersey. The majority of the movie was filmed in Egbert Lake, Rockaway Township, New Jersey and surrounding area. The shooting took place over 12 days in May 2021.
Rockaway Township, New Jersey
Egbert’s Lake Park, Rockaway Township, New Jersey: The many scenes in the film was shot at Egbert Lake in Rockaway Township, New Jersey. Dane Elcar, who also wrote the film, got the idea from spending time at a pond near his old home. He wanted to explore how a place that seems beautiful can also turn sinister. The film explores themes of relationship struggles, especially in the wake of the pandemic when many couples faced new challenges.
Apart from Egbert Lake, the majority of the film was shot in the forests. In “Brightwood”, the forest scenes were filmed around Egbert Lake Park in Rockaway, New Jersey. The park’s surrounding area was used to create the eerie, enclosed forest setting depicted in the film. This choice of location contributed to the film’s haunting atmosphere, aligning with its plot about a couple trapped in a time loop.
Brightwood’s Viral Success
Elcar believes that the film’s success is due to its relatable depiction of relationship struggles. Despite its low budget, ‘Brightwood’ has resonated with audiences and has been shown at various film festivals. Elcar’s own happy relationship with his wife and daughter adds a personal touch to his understanding of the film’s themes.
Brightwood was entirely filmed in Rockaway Township, New Jersey. The choice of Egbert Lake and the surrounding forest added to the film’s unsettling and claustrophobic feel. Despite its low budget, the film has resonated with audiences and been showcased at various film festivals. Elcar’s personal experiences and his happy relationship with his family add a unique touch to his understanding of the film’s themes.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Brightwood
Q: Where was Brightwood filmed?
A: Brightwood was filmed at Egbert Lake in Rockaway Township, New Jersey. The surrounding forests in Rockaway Township were also used to capture the film’s eerie and isolated setting.
Q: When was Brightwood filmed?
A: The filming of Brightwood took place over 12 days in May 2021. This timeframe allowed the crew to fully utilize the locations and capture the film’s necessary scenes.
Q; When was Brightwood released?
A: Brightwood was released on August 22, 2023. It is available for streaming on Tubi.
Q: Who are the main cast members of Brightwood?
A: The main cast of Brightwood includes Dana Berger as Jen and Max Woertendyke as Dan. Their performances are crucial to the film’s exploration of relationship dynamics and its horror elements.
Q: What inspired the film Brightwood?
a: Director Dane Elcar was inspired by his experiences at a pond near his former home. He wanted to explore how a seemingly serene location could turn sinister. The film also reflects on the challenges faced by couples during the pandemic.
