Gaia is a 2021 South African ecological horror fantasy film, directed by Jaco Bouwer, and co-written by Bouwer and Tertius Kapp. The film stars Monique Rockman as a park ranger named Gabi, who is on a surveillance mission in a primordial forest. While in the forest, Gabi encounters a young boy and his philosophical father, who are living a post-apocalyptic lifestyle and seem to have their own religious beliefs.
As Gabi spends more time with the survivalists, she begins to notice strange and suspicious aspects of their existence. However, her focus soon turns to a more imminent threat when their cabin is attacked by strange post-human beings. As Gabi and the family fight to survive, they must also confront the reality of a greater threat in the emergent wilderness.
The film explores a range of environmental issues, including ecology, climate change, and deforestation, while also tackling questions of humanity's relationship to nature and the impact of humans on the planet. It also delves into themes of survival, self-discovery, and the limits of human understanding.
Overall, Gaia is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that offers a unique take on the horror genre. It is a must-see for fans of ecological thrillers and for those interested in exploring the relationship between humans and the natural world.