After 12 Years, Best Canadian Found Footage Horror Is Finally Available in the US
This movie doesn't have a star-studded cast, a big budget, or a spectacular soundtrack. But it does have a talented crew and a gripping story.
The trend of cheap mockumentary thrillers and found footage horror films peaked in the early 2010s, and while such films are still being made, it's safe to say that the trend is on the decline.
But that does not mean you should not pay attention to the hidden gems of the genre that were overshadowed by such hits like Rec and Paranormal Activity. Especially since one of these overlooked projects – Afflicted – is finally available in the US after 12 years.
What Is Afflicted About?
Derek and Clif are childhood friends who have never parted as adults. Derek has been suffering from severe headaches, and a visit to the doctor brought disappointing news: at any moment, a blood vessel in his brain could burst.
Unwilling to wait patiently for death, Derek, accompanied by his friend and a number of cameras with which Clif will film their every move, sets off on a trip around the world.
In Paris, he meets the charming Audrey, but after this meeting, Derek begins to change – he becomes stronger, but literally melts in the sun and cannot eat anything except human blood.
Afflicted's Cinematography Puts the Viewer Right in the Middle of the Action
Ten years ago, found-footage films were already nothing new, and in order to attract attention, filmmakers had to be creative. For example, they could perform incredible camera work, as the creators of Afflicted and its main actors, Derek Lee and Clif Prowse, did.
In Afflicted, the presence effect created by the shooting style works perfectly. Lee and Prowse found a way to add variety to the picture without losing credibility – the characters not only shoot everything that happens to them with their hands, but also attach cameras to their bodies.
This is a good solution not only because it gives at least two different shots for editing, but also because it allows for some spectacular first-person action scenes.
The sequence in which Derek, having unleashed his animal nature, smashes a detachment of French Special Forces with his bare hands will certainly stay with you a long time.
Afflicted Is an Extremely Overlooked Work that Deserves More Attention
Afflicted began its journey to the viewers with genre festivals, where it enjoyed success. This was not enough to push the movie into wide distribution, and this is very sad – Afflicted is an undoubted success that didn't get the attention it deserved.
This is a truly talented, gripping and fascinating movie, which proves that any, even the most familiar plot can be played out in such a way that it sparkles with new colors.
Where to Watch Afflicted?
Afflicted is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
