It has been so long since I seen a horror movie that really haunted me all the way.. A movie so creepy and terrifying that you can't get it out of your head. A movie where you leave every light on in the house for one or two nights after seeing it.
Well, I can finally say that I seen the movie that did all of that to me. A movie that only cost $15,000 and has already made $62 million in the U.S. That movie is titled Paranormal Activity and not only is it one of my favorite films of 2009 but it's also one of the scariest films I have ever seen!
Filmed with handheld cameras, we see the story of a young happy couple named Katie and Micah (Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat) who are living in a house that they suspect is haunted by paranormal beings. So they decide to keep cameras filming throughout every day and night for evidence. But the most occurances happen after hours mostly in their bedroom when they are asleep. What starts out as minor evidence becomes more severe then what they could ever imagine.
In my eyes, this is what horror filmmaking is all about! A story with great build up and suspense up until the horrifying last half. It also helps by adding great characters played by great actors.
Even though this film isn't real at all, first-time filmmaker Oren Peli does an outstanding job at creating a real factor to the story using practical effects that doesn't go over the line.
He also creates some of the most disturbing, frightening images ever created on screen. The bedroom shots are just proof that Oren is a genius when it comes to knowing how to get under moviegoers' skin.
Despite me praising this film like I am, I'm aware that not everyone will like it. I've already heard a few unsatisfied opinions from various people. But I truly think that they were expecting way too much, which has become a big problem with horror films. There's nothing scary anymore because the films today tend to take the fun out of horror films with overexposure. And that seems to be what certain people are believing is scary anymore. Me, however, is an old-fashioned moviegoer who thinks the less you see, the scarier it is.
Now I'm not saying you don't see anything in this film because you definitely do see some stuff that will make your jaw drop, or even, make your eyes shut. But I'm so happy that the people involved in this film decided to keep it cool and steady with the story and the scares. And since this film only cost $15,000, there's not a whole lot you can expect. But with that small of a budget, you will be surprised at what the filmmakers were able to do.
Paranormal Activity is pure gold for horror moviemaking, in my mind. I've never felt so cautious going into a dark house as I have for the past week. I understand that it's only a movie but this certain movie is special because of what it's capable of doing with your mind. If you haven't seen this film yet, please go see it! Just go see it with some patience because it does take some time for the characters and plot before the thrill ride begins.
A
(MINOR SPOILER)
THIS HAS THE BEST ENDING TO ANY HORROR MOVIE I'VE EVER SEEN!!!!