Review: It is not a patch on its predecessor, but entertains for sure.
In the year 1999, a small movie came and conquered. It revolutionized the way we looked at horror films, and spawned a plethora of parodies and imitations, still being made to this day. The movie was “The Blair Witch Project” and it became an iconic entry in the world of horror films.
What was it that made it so phenomenal? A few things: it was made on a shoestring budget with no name actors, it utilized an everyday camera making the proceedings seem real, it was filmed in entirely natural locations, its performances were to the core honest, and its scares came from the imagination and what was not visible, sans special effects. On top of that, the marketing team did a brilliant job of promoting the film as being something that really happened based on a “real” legend. Audiences bought it, until the truth of it being fictional was revealed.
After its success, a sequel was ordered up without the original makers, resulting in the dismal Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. Presently, there has been a massive resurgence in the horror genre as most horror movies are very cheap to make and bring great financial rewards (evidenced by films such as Saw, The Conjuring, Insidious, Annabelle, and Paranormal Activity). With such a massive renewed interest in the horror genre, it was but inevitable that a sequel to The Blair Witch Project would be made and sure enough, this past weekend, we saw the release of the succinctly titled Blair Witch, featuring a fresh cast and relatively fresh director, Adam Wingard.
When the trailer came out, the film looked like it would deliver the goods that the first one so wonderfully displayed. More so, I attached a hope to the film – a hope that the film would carry the story of the Blair Witch forward in a new, exciting direction that would shock the audiences further. I was a little skeptical when I found out that the film was made using normal film cameras and modern technology but, being a horror fan, I went for it.
Did it deliver? Let’s find out…
The movie picks up exactly 17 years after the original. After the disappearance of his sister Heather (from the first movie), James decides to investigate and search for his sister in the very woods where she disappeared. He enlists his friends Lisa, Peter, and Ashley to join him on his trip, which the friends are documenting through ear piece cameras and a drone. They are joined by the mysterious Lane and Talia, who claim to have knowledge of the woods, to help them on their journey. Of course, the trip takes a terrifying turn when each of the characters face an unseen terror. Will James find Heather? Will the friends get out of the woods alive? See the film to find out.
The performances by all of the actors (James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Brandon Scott, Corbin Reid, Wes Robinson, and Valorie Curry) are top notch. Each actor is immensely natural and no one hits a false note. Kudos to these newcomers!
The direction by Adam Wingard is also excellent, and with his editor, keeps the film moving in an appropriate fashion without any boredom. In fact, the biggest plus point is the unease the film offers, where you have absolutely no idea when something scary is about to happen. It could be day or night, and when it does, it makes you jump out of your seat. In particular, the climax is very heart pounding and terrifying, and the sequence with Lisa trying to escape the underground room through a tunnel will make you sit on the edge of the seat and pray that you never, ever be in a claustrophobic situation like that.
If there is any point of criticism, it is the novelty of the script by Simon Barrett. The film does not ultimately take the series in a new direction and you are left with a movie that entertains, but offers only a small insight on the legend of the Blair Witch. I was hoping for some bigger twists and understanding more of who she is, but she remains pretty much as mysterious as she did in the previous movie. Perhaps this is best for taking the series forward, because it is the lack of knowledge which makes the character all the more terrifying.
From a technical standpoint, the usage of sound and no music is another plus point. It makes the proceedings even tenser and the fact that it is all natural sound will make you look around yourself multiple times whenever you step out in the night. A simple twig being stepped on is cause for concern!
All in all, I give the film an 8/10. It is not a patch on its predecessor, but entertains for sure. Go have a good time and think twice before you go camping next!
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