The found-footage horror sub-genre is one that gets a lot of flak. It's often seen as an easy way to make an inexpensive film that is supposed to look cheap, without applying any "proper" editing or filmmaking techniques. While there is certainly an element of truth to this, when done correctly, a found-footage film can offer new and exciting scares.
Many found-footage films are blasted for their nauseating camera techniques, but the first person POV is what truly immerses the audience into the film, allowing the viewer to only see what the character is seeing, but they also experience the horrors as they occur. For anyone looking to expand their found-footage film knowledge, here are seven of the best the sub-genre has to offer.
Grave Encounters
This Canadian hidden gem is a highly underrated addition to the found-footage genre. Grave Encounters piggybacks on the popularity of ghost hunting reality shows, such as Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters. This film is framed as a group of ghost hunters on a reality show entitled Grave Encounters who are investigating an abandoned psychiatric hospital. The story focuses on the haunting backstory of the hospital, and it also sheds light on the perceived insincerity of real paranormal reality shows. The writing is exceptional, and the scares are plenty. Grave Encounters made its way through the festival circuit, but it was largely forgotten about due to a limited theatrical release.
Cannibal Holocaust
Known as the first found-footage film, Cannibal Holocaust caused a whirlwind of controversy, including instances of animal cruelty, with six real animal deaths occurring on screen. This is one reason why many viewers are unable to stomach watching the film. Another controversial aspect of the film was that the footage seemed real, and since the genre of found-footage had not yet been popularized, it was assumed that the project was genuine, which caused huge legal problems for the director. The film is framed as footage taken by a documentary crew deep in the Amazon rainforest after they are captured by a group of cannibals. For film lovers who want to see what is considered to be the first found-footage film, Cannibal Holocaust is a must watch; however, it is not for the squeamish, faint of heart or anyone who can't handle blood, gore and highly disturbing content.
The Blair Witch Project
Often incorrectly referred to as the first found-footage film made, The Blair Witch Project was certainly the film that made the format hugely popular. Filmed on a shoestring budget, three actors playing fictionalized versions of themselves were sent into the woods with minimal food and comfort, shooting a documentary about the fabled Blair Witch. The Blair Witch Project is known as one of the most successful independent films of all time, as well as one of the most profitable. The film follows the three protagonists as they get themselves lost and are forced to survive the unseen forces terrorizing them. The group stumbles upon ritualistic voodoo dolls, explores an abandoned house and run from the sound of footsteps, which seem to be moving ever closer.
Paranormal Activity
The Paranormal Activity franchise is one of the most successful in horror history and began with an independent film shot for $15,000 before being picked up by Paramount Pictures. The first film in the franchise was simple enough, focusing on a young couple who begin noticing supernatural experiences in their home. They ultimately decide to set up cameras in their house to document the activity, which increases in severity throughout the story. It's an interesting film, as it's known for its lack of visual effects and its strong use of tension, forcing the viewer to use their imagination. The first instalment was so successful it spawned six subsequent films, with another set to release in 2021.
The Visit
Famed horror director M. Night Shyamalan contributed to the found-footage genre with The Visit, and it is commonly considered one of his better films, as well as one of the scariest. It's also an example of a found-footage film with a high budget, production value and marketing power. The Visit follows a brother and sister who are documenting their stay at their grandparents' house, but things start to get strange at night. The siblings discover their grandmother suffers from a psychological phenomenon called "sundowning," where patients with dementia become increasingly agitated in the evenings. As is common with M. Night Shyamalan films, The Visit has a horrific twist ending, and it is highly unsettling throughout, making it an absolute must-watch.
Unfriended
Another example of a modern and more experimental found-footage film is Unfriended. The film's story unfolds in real time and is told through a screen cast of the main character's MacBook while a group of high school friends Skype each other. It's clear that each of the characters have secrets, largely involving a student who committed suicide after being embarrassed and bullied online. A mysterious force enters their Skype call and picks the kids off one by one. While this may sound like a cheesy premise, the film is executed well, even in its unconventional format. The success of the film inspired a sequel entitled Unfriended: Dark Web.
REC
The Spanish-language film REC is known as one of the most famous found-footage films, as well as one of the most highly praised zombie films in the horror genre. The film begins with a late-night TV show anchor and her camera man shooting a segment at a firehouse. When an emergency arises at a local apartment building, the camera crew tags along and witnesses firsthand the terror of what's lurking within the complex. REC made the rounds on the festival circuit before being commercially released and received huge praise and a hefty box office return. Three sequels were made, along with a successful American remake, titled Quarantine.