PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Ah, found footage films. Whether they are shot in first person, mockumentary, or in a news style format, they let the viewer get a first-person perspective of the story as it unfolds. This can heighten the sense of realism for the viewer. Love it or hate it, found footage films are here to stay. And in my opinion, it has given the horror genre some incredible films. As usual, I’m going to try and highlight a few of the lesser seen gems, but because this is a smaller sub-genre, it will feature more obvious picks.
Now, on with the films!
The Taking of Deborah Logan
Directed by Adam Robitel
Synopsis
An elderly woman battling Alzheimer’s disease agrees to let a film crew document her condition, but what they discover is something far more sinister going on.
Without a doubt this is the best found footage film I have ever seen. Anchored by a fearless performance by Jill Larson, this film takes a genuine fear (Alzheimer’s) and doubles down on it. This is what happens when smart writing, great acting, good cinematography, and genius practical effects come together to make greatness. The scare at the end of this one haunts me to this day.
JeruZalem
Directed by Doron Paz and Yoav Paz
Synopsis
When a couple of American young adults fly to Israel to visit the city of Jerusalem, a biblical nightmare falls upon them.
I went into this one blind and with absolutely no expectations – and my god I was so surprised. This is one of those films that got lost in the found footage shuffle, but don’t let it pass you by. And don’t let the title fool you either – this is *not* the zombie film you are looking for – it’s better!
Afflicted
Directed by Derek Lee and Clif Prowse
Synopsis
Two best friends see their trip of a lifetime take a dark turn when one of them is struck by a mysterious affliction. Now, in a foreign land, they race to uncover the source before it consumes him completely.
Another blink-and-you-missed-it film that should absolutely be seen. The photography is gorgeous and it has great editing too. This is an original, fresh, and fun take on another tired genre. But saying too much will give away the fun.
Chronicle
Directed by Josh Trank
Synopsis
Three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery underground. Soon they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides.
This film is lower budget done right! The young actors are really great in this – acting like normal teenagers. The film deals with how kids would probably really act if they got superpowers. Would kids really sew spandex costumes and save humanity? NAH. The special effects and editing are top notch. Find this one!
Final Prayer (A.K.A. The Borderlands)
Directed by Elliot Goldner
Synopsis
A team of Vatican investigators descend upon a church in a remote area to demystify the unusual happenings, but what they discover is more disturbing than they had first imagined.
A found footage film that is slow burn, and yes, it was on my Folk Horror list, but OMFG, it has the most insane ending I’ve seen in a long time. The back story is interesting, the characters compelling, it has genuine scares throughout… and did I mention the ending? Don’t miss this one.
The Possession of Michael King
Directed by David Jung
Synopsis
After poor advice from a psychic leads to the death of his wife, a man vows to disprove the existence of the paranormal by allowing himself to be possessed by demons.
Despite it’s low budget, it still manages to be better than The Exorcist: Believer. Practically a one man show, the film takes place in one location as Michael finds out that there are some things that should not be messed with. Really terrific acting and unique use of sound make this one of those films that rises above the glut of exorcist movies.
Exists
Directed by Eduardo Sanchez
Synopsis
A group of friends who venture into the remote Texas woods for a party weekend find themselves stalked by Bigfoot.
Finally, a film that makes Bigfoot scary. We don’t actually see the creature much until far into the film, but this build up just makes the reveal even more terrifying. This film also slots nicely into a category I like to call: ‘Why Christine Doesn’t Go Camping.’
The Houses October Built
Directed by Bobby Roe
Synopsis
Five friends are stalked by a group of mysterious and disturbed individuals while on a road trip looking for the ultimate haunted house attraction.
Quick confession time: I don’t do haunted houses. As a horror viewer, I like to keep the TV or movie screen between me and the scares. Also have you seen the prices of those houses? YIKES. So I appreciate movies like this. I get to see the haunts from my living room. This is a pretty fun film, with a growing, ominous tone as it goes on. And that doll girl mask? CREEPY.
Hell House LLC
Directed by Stephen Cognetti
Synopsis
Five years after an unexplained malfunction causes the death of 15 tour-goers and staff on the opening night of a Halloween haunted house tour, a documentary crew travels back to the scene of the tragedy to find out what really happened.
I just love this one. This one feels like a low budget film, but it also feels like you are there with the characters setting up for this clearly doomed haunted house. Of course I would have run for the hills the second I found the LIFE SIZED CLOWN DOLLS in the basement. Hell, when I was looking for a house to buy I looked at one that had stairs to the basement that looked the same as the one in this film. I said ‘Absolutely not!’ and left. I don’t do clowns. Anyway, they made an entire franchise from this one film, although I’m not sure they ever recapture the initial magic of the first film in the sequels.
One Cut of the Dead
Directed by Shin’ichiro Ueda
Synopsis
Things go badly for a hack director and film crew shooting a low budget zombie movie in an abandoned WWII Japanese facility, when they are attacked by real zombies.
Now while this film isn’t 100% found footage, it has enough in it for me to include it. And it’s also one of the most hysterical, original films I have seen in a long time. And certainly one of the most unexpected. There will be a few points where you will think: ‘Where else can this film go?’ But rest assured, you’ll never guess. This is one hell of a great time.
Are there any you feel should be on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
