825 Forest Road (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
In the ever-expanding world of horror, director Stephen Cognetti—best known for his cult-favorite found-footage Hell House LLC franchise—steps outside his comfort zone with 825 Forest Road (2025). This new supernatural thriller attempts to deliver dread through conventional storytelling rather than his trademark found footage. But does it succeed in haunting us, or does it stumble down the same eerie path as its predecessors?
Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or simply browsing for your next movie night thrill, this review covers everything you need: an in-depth film analysis, audience impressions, and most importantly—where to watch 825 Forest Road online in the United States.
The Premise: A Town Draped in Mystery
After a family tragedy, Chuck Wilson moves with his wife Maria and younger sister Isabelle to the seemingly quaint town of Ashland Falls. The house is a steal—and we all know how that goes in horror films. Naturally, the low price tag comes with a hidden cost. Locals whisper about a dark force that haunts not just homes, but people themselves—especially those grieving or vulnerable.
That concept—of trauma drawing in the paranormal—is perhaps the most compelling part of 825 Forest Road. Unfortunately, it’s an idea that’s teased rather than fully explored.
The Style Shift: Cognetti Ditches Found Footage
One of the boldest moves here is Cognetti’s departure from the found-footage style that defined Hell House LLC. Instead, 825 Forest Road is presented with a more traditional narrative structure, split into three chapters that give different perspectives of the haunting. While this framing could have offered layered storytelling, it ends up feeling more like a gimmick than a necessity.
The fragmented structure drags the pacing and makes it difficult to emotionally connect with any one character, as we’re repeatedly yanked out of the story only to start again from another point of view.
Acting & Characters: Mixed Bag of Performances
The cast does their best with a script that lacks nuance. Chuck, Maria, and Isabelle often feel like cardboard cutouts of horror archetypes, though Kathryn Miller as Isabelle adds a touch of grounded realism. Meanwhile, Darin F. Earl II as Luke brings welcome charisma, albeit briefly.
Several characters disappear halfway through, including a mysterious neighbor subplot that is never resolved—leaving viewers scratching their heads.
Atmosphere & Scares: Creepy But Not Quite Chilling
If you’re expecting spine-tingling scares, temper your expectations. The film includes genre staples: eerie mannequins, a ghostly woman, and the ever-ominous piano. However, they’re thrown at you with such frequency and predictability that any potential terror quickly fizzles.
The most unsettling moments occur when Cognetti leans into what he does best: still shots with subtle movement in the background, creepy mannequins in dimly lit corners, and slow pans that suggest something is just out of frame. Sadly, these moments are few and far between.
Storytelling & Structure: A Missed Opportunity
The movie is split into three distinct character-focused chapters—a narrative choice that seems more stylistic than purposeful. Rather than deepening the lore or enhancing the emotional journey, it disrupts flow and deflates the already thin tension.
And then there’s the ending. Abrupt. Anti-climactic. Borderline lazy. It almost feels as if the budget ran out or the script simply lost interest in its own mystery. Viewers who stick around for payoff may be disappointed by the lack of resolution.
What Works: A Glimmer of Potential
To its credit, 825 Forest Road isn’t without merit. The concept of a ghost haunting grief-stricken souls rather than a specific location is chillingly fresh. A few scenes flirt with greatness—especially when the ghost is barely visible or just implied.
And fans of Hell House LLC may enjoy this film more than casual viewers. Cognetti’s fingerprints are all over the production, even if he’s not holding a camcorder this time.
What Doesn’t Work: Pacing, Dialogue, and Payoff
From slow, meandering dialogue to a lack of character arcs, the movie often feels like a rough cut that needed another rewrite. The scares are frequent but ineffective, and the lore—while interesting—is never properly explored.
One reviewer noted it best: “Watching this felt like waiting an entire movie for a single jump scare… and that scare wasn’t even good.” That sums up the experience fairly well.
Streaming Availability in the U.S.
Looking to stream 825 Forest Road right now? You’re in luck—it’s available on several platforms in the United States.
Streaming Services (Subscription)
| Platform | Availability | Link |
|---|---|---|
| AMC+ | Included with subscription | Search within AMC+ app or website |
| Shudder | Included with subscription | Browse horror category on Shudder |
| Amazon Prime Video (via AMC+/Shudder add-on) | Subscription add-on required | Watch Here on Amazon |
Rental & Purchase Options
| Platform | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV | Rental & Purchase | Typically $4.99 – $14.99 |
| Amazon Video | Rental & Purchase | View Rental Options |
Final Verdict: Watch or Skip?
825 Forest Road is a film packed with ambition but held back by flawed execution. It’s not the worst horror film of 2025—but it may be one of the most frustrating. With a more focused narrative and deeper character work, it could have become something memorable. Instead, it’s likely to fade into the ever-growing library of forgettable Shudder originals.
Still, if you’re a diehard fan of supernatural horror or have enjoyed Cognetti’s past work, this is worth a one-time watch—just don’t expect to be haunted afterward.
FAQs
Is 825 Forest Road available on Netflix or Hulu?
No. As of now, the movie is not available on Netflix or Hulu. It is exclusive to Shudder, AMC+, and available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
Is this movie related to Hell House LLC?
Not directly. However, it’s directed by Stephen Cognetti, the creator of Hell House LLC, and it shares some thematic elements and visual styles.
Is 825 Forest Road a found footage film?
No. It deviates from Cognetti’s found footage roots and follows a more traditional horror narrative style.
What is the movie rated?
The movie is unrated, but its content suggests a rating of PG-13 or R for horror themes, language, and brief violence.
Does the movie have a post-credit scene?
No, there is no post-credit scene. The ending is abrupt and final.
How long is the movie?
825 Forest Road runs approximately 97 minutes.
Despite its flaws, 825 Forest Road is still a conversation-worthy entry in 2025’s horror lineup. With a unique concept and sporadic moments of eerie tension, it may not terrify you, but it will linger just long enough to make you glance twice at a mannequin.
Want to decide for yourself? You can stream it today:
👉 Watch on Amazon Prime
👉 Available now on Shudder, AMC+, and Apple TV
If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn ghost story with a few creepy flourishes, this might just scratch the itch.
