The Devil’s Well (2018) – Found Footage Done Right?

Kurtis Spieler’s found footage film The Devil’s Well focuses on a group of paranormal investigators who are on the hunt to find out if all the folklore about the infamous Devil’s Well is true. They want to know if it played a part in the disappearance of a young woman named Karla Marks (Anne-Marie Mueschke). Along for the expedition is Karla’s husband, Bryan Marks (Bryan Manley Davis), who is a suspect in his wife’s disappearance. Apparently, telling the police that the paranormal is the reason for Karla going missing is not a believable theory.

Once we get the documentary style backstory… buckle up, folks. From the moment they enter the location of the Devil’s Well, it is a tense and eerie ride. One thing I enjoyed is there wasn’t ever a moment I found any of the character’s actions to be unbelievable. Not having to suspend disbelief in a genre where that is usually a prerequisite going in was a welcomed change of pace. Spieler’s tale is told in an uncomfortably realistic format with just the right amount of pacing lulls to cause the viewer to let their guard down.

I will admit that found footage is not my favorite subgenre, even in its infancy stages. However, through the years, a few talented filmmakers have taken notes as to what works and what doesn’t. One of those talented individuals is Kurtis Spieler. The Devil’s Well puts a fun remix on the found footage formula by not limiting themselves to just handheld view. Instead, they have plenty of other camera views and save the first-person view for the really intense scenes. Mixed in with the found footage format is a documentary style that weaves its way seamlessly in and out of the story, reinforcing the “based on true events” style.

Another aspect that adds to the realistic nature of The Devil’s Well is the cast. The chemistry between them is undeniable and there are a couple standouts I want to mention. Lauren Sowa, who plays Lynn, delivers a well-done performance as the resident psychic. I wish they would have used her just a bit more. Kristen Seavey, who plays Riley, practically bewitches the audience with her performance. She is a natural and it shows that she has raw talent. I look forward to seeing her in more things in the future.

Setting itself apart from the rest of its found footage competitors, The Devil’s Well doesn’t rely on jump scares to terrify. It goes back to the basics and relies on a connection with the audience and building suspense and dread. In this feat, it is completely effective. It seems that Spieler understands the necessity of a proper backstory, character development, and delivering a movie with depth. It was incredibly nice to finally get a film that didn’t resort to cheap tactics to be effective. Bravo, guys! You did great.

The Devil’s Well hits DVD on January 23, 2018. Make sure to grab yourself a copy, wait for a stormy night, turn off the lights, and do not watch it alone. This film will sit with you long after the credits roll. It was a great way to start off 2018 for the horror genre. I can’t wait to see what else this year has to offer.