You can immediately spot director Franck Vestiel’s thumbprint on EDEN LOG as he has worked on two other French films, ILS and DANTE 01, which he was first assistant director on. Visually bleak, cold and uncomfortable, tension is created from the get-go and never surrenders.

EDEN LOG takes place in a bleak post apocalyptic world where a man takes conscience at the bottom of a cave. Tolbiac (Clovis Cornillac) does not have the least idea how he ended up there. His only solution is to go up to surface through a network with the paces of cemetery and given up by a mysterious organization, Eden Log. Along the way some insanely cool creatures attack him.

EDEN LOG is visually stunning - it’s a bleak trip into a world that both mesmerizing and terrifying. Vestiel’s techniques in creating this world are both economical and cheap, but are extremely effective. He uses a lot of steel, and long sheets to drape rooms, elevators and even create chambers people are hung in! The costume designs are also remarkable, giving a futuristic look while also making it appear as if they’ve been through hell and back (get a taste in our image gallery).

Then there are the creatures, which are disgusting and vile. They run around like little monkeys and are freaky as sh*t. In a very subtle way, EDEN LOG reminded me of one of my favorite films of all time, ALIENS. The film carries similar themes, aesthetics and creature mannerisms to the classic film from the ‘80s, but is original enough to please fans looking for a modern spin.

One of the coolest parts about EDEN LOG is the finale, which unfortunately I can’t reveal to you. It carries a beautifully grim ending that fits perfectly into film as a whole. When you find out what EDEN LOG is, your mind will be blown.

While the only real downside to the film is its slow pacing, LOG is a nice diversion from the Hollywood trend of hyper-editing and flashy storytelling. What you’ll find here is a slow burn of a film that takes its time and immerses the viewer in its world. This is a unique film you’re not going to want to miss.