"Plank Face" is a 2013 American horror film directed by Robert Cuffley and written by Cuffley and Mark Rob Smith. The movie stars Kristian Bruun, Laura Waddell, and Michael C. Williams.
Julia Kristeva’s theory of abjection—the horror of bodily waste, fluids, and the collapse of subject/object boundaries—pervades Plank Face . The family forces Nathan to eat vermin, drink from communal troughs, and engage in incestuous acts. Crucially, these acts are not portrayed as purely sadistic; they are presented as “gifts” of inclusion. The film’s most unsettling scenes involve tender moments—a calloused hand stroking Nathan’s hair, a shared laugh over a mutilated corpse. This merging of care and cruelty erodes the viewer’s ability to categorize the family as pure evil, instead inviting a deeply uncomfortable empathy.
Upon release, Plank Face polarized critics. Some dismissed it as “exploitation for its own sake” (FilmThreat, 2016), while others praised its formal control and psychological depth (Rue Morgue, 2017). In the decade since, it has gained a cult following among fans of “transgressive horror” or “weird cinema.” Its influence can be seen in later films like The Sadness (2021) and Where the Devil Roams (2023), which similarly blend extreme violence with lyrical character studies.
Overall, "Plank Face" is a thought-provoking and unsettling horror film that will appeal to fans of the genre. If you're a fan of low-budget horror movies with a focus on atmosphere and tension, "Plank Face" is definitely worth checking out. plank face full movie
The Abject and the Animalistic: Deconstructing Identity and Trauma in Scott Schirmer’s “Plank Face”
The title refers to a makeshift torture device: a wooden plank with holes for eyes, used to immobilize Nathan’s head. Beyond its literal function, the “plank face” symbolizes the performative mask of civility. Early in the film, Nathan’s face is expressive, readable. As the family strips his language and autonomy, his face becomes plank-like—blank, accepting, inhuman. By the end, when he finally smiles, it is a predatory grin. The film thus posits that trauma does not simply damage the self but can reshape it into something unrecognizable.
Horror, Thriller
Rotten Tomatoes describe it as a disturbing, low-budget psychological drama focused on the loss of identity rather than a typical gore-fest. Plot Summary The story follows a man named Max who is kidnapped by a feral family of three women while camping with his girlfriend in the deep woods. Rather than killing him immediately, the family aims to "re-wild" him through ritualistic torture, sexual violation, and psychological breaking to transform him into a new member of their clan. Warped Perspective +3 Critical Consensus Reviews are sharply divided, often highlighting the film's "art house" approach to exploitation horror: Reddit 12 sites Plank Face (2016) - IMDb I suspect she is Nell all grown. Well let me Cliffs Notes this for you... boyfriend gets indoctrinated into their ways and replace... IMDb Plank Face (2016) - IMDb Very dull and lacking of real interest. Seemingly a lower budget horror film with quite a little bit of dialogue. The story isn't ... IMDb Plank Face (2016) - उपयोगकर्ता समीक्षाएं Plank Face Is Plain Great. Plank Face was one of the best indie movie I've seen. From the beginning to the end it held my attentio... IMDb Show all Atmosphere & Cinematography
As the group tries to survive and uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences, they are confronted with a series of gruesome and terrifying events. The film's atmosphere is tense and foreboding, with a focus on building suspense and unease.
Plank Face (2016) is a raw, visceral indie horror film that challenges the boundaries of identity and survival. Directed by , the creator of the cult hit Found , this film dives deep into the primal instincts of humanity. If you are looking to watch the Plank Face full movie , here is a comprehensive guide to its plot, cast, and where to stream it legally. Movie Overview Release Date: August 27, 2016 Director: Scott Schirmer Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes Genre: Horror / Psychological Thriller Production: Bandit Motion Pictures The Story: A Descent Into Primality Plank Face (2016) - IMDb "Plank Face" is a 2013 American horror film
Traditional backwoods horror (e.g., The Texas Chain Saw Massacre , Deliverance ) positions the urban protagonist as a victim of atavistic evil. Plank Face disrupts this: Nathan is not a heroic survivor but a passive vessel. The family—led by matriarch Big Mother (Betty Jeune)—does not simply torture him; they integrate him through ritualized abuse, sex, and labor. By the film’s climax, Nathan willingly adopts the family’s feral code, even killing an outsider. This narrative arc suggests that identity is not fixed but a survival mechanism: Nathan’s “self” dissolves because it offers no utility in his new environment.
Plank Face is available to stream on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play. You can also purchase the movie on DVD or Blu-ray if you prefer to own a physical copy.
