[6] Dark Woods, being Pål Øie's first full-length film, was recorded over the course of 24 days in September 2002 in Kaupanger, Sogn.

The script was written in close association with Christopher Grøndahl, with notable input from the actors during the filming, especially Kristoffer Joner.

[14] Birger Vestmo of Filmpolitiet likewise praised the atmosphere of the film, in addition to the actors' performance, noting that they actually seem scared, and that their dialogue appeared natural.

Conversely, he felt the story lacking, remarking that the film started to become boring halfway through, with the characters wandering aimlessly through the woods.

[16] In later retrospectives of the "horror boom" in Norwegian film, characterised by the use of natural environments like mountains and forests, Dark Woods has been seen as instrumental in its genesis.