Mind Body Spirit

This movie had so much potential. But for me, it fell short. I rather enjoyed the ending, and the movie held my attention throughout. But I felt frustrated at the acting in some parts; in a lot of the scenes, it felt as though they didn't do enough takes; actors/actresses fail to feel real sometimes, and it felt like the director didn't wait until he got the right take.

Also, there were certain scenes that felt rather forced. And the end-twist, although very enjoyable to watch, could be seen coming a mile away.

I would have enjoyed this movie much more, had it been a 30 or 40 minute film in a VHS anthology.

Even though this movie has a fair amount of flaws, it was worth the watch; and I'm curious as to what the director will come out with next.

Another film focussing on nauseating self-centred social media influencers. Another "found footage" film that brings nothing new or interesting...potentially even less than the minimum you'd expect.

At points it seems like it's trying to being satirical about how pretentious, ostentatious and vapid influencers are, but it's not done well if that was a motive of the writers as it would be missed by most viewers as the fake product placements ads almost glorify them.

The story itself is rather hollow. While there's some attempt to tie it to ancient slavic rituals of the main character's grandmother and ancestors, there's no depth to it at all, or any real back-story, and is merely a minor attempt to create the basis for the "creepy old lady in the dark" trope.

Mind Body Spirit isn't necessarily a scary film, but it offers an intriguing and enjoyable watch. The storyline presents a unique concept that keeps the audience engaged, blending psychological tension with supernatural elements in a way that feels fresh. While it doesn't rely on outright horror, the film's atmosphere and themes create a sense of unease and curiosity.

I particularly liked the way the story unfolded, gradually pulling the viewer deeper into its mysteries. The execution was effective, making it an interesting film for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives rather than pure scares. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience with a concept that stood out.

"Mind Body Spirit" a found footage-y horror flick that takes a deep dive into the dark underbelly of influencer culture and spiritual woo-woo definitely gets your spin realigned with all the tingles it delivers.

Anya decides to crash at her estranged grandmother's house for her big debut video but little does she know, Granny Verasha left behind more than just heirlooms-there's a hidden room filled with cryptic messages and some seriously bizarre trinkets. What follows is a twisted journey of fame, self-destruction, and discovering that some spiritual practices should really come with a warning label, like seriously!

"Mind Body Spirit" (2023) is a found footage horror film that delves into the dark side of influencer culture and spiritual obsession. The film follows Anya, an aspiring yoga influencer who moves into her estranged grandmother's home to record her first video. There, she discovers a hidden room filled with cryptic messages and items left behind by her grandmother, Verasha.

Intrigued, Anya begins to incorporate Verasha's teachings into her online persona, leading to a surge in popularity. However, as Anya delves deeper into the mysterious practices, she unwittingly unleashes an otherworldly entity that begins to manipulate her life and her videos. The film explores themes of fame, self-destruction, and the dangers of blindly following spiritual practices without understanding their true nature.

"Mind Body Spirit" effectively utilizes the found footage format to create a sense of immediacy and realism. The shaky camera work and intimate perspective heighten the tension and make the events on screen feel more visceral. The film also benefits from strong performances, particularly from Sarah J. Bartholomew as Anya. Her descent into obsession is both chilling and believable.

However, the film's reliance on jump scares and predictable plot twists can detract from its overall impact. Additionally, the ending feels somewhat rushed and leaves several questions unanswered. Despite these shortcomings, "Mind Body Spirit" offers a thought-provoking commentary on the influencer age and the dangers of unchecked ambition. It's a chilling reminder that the pursuit of fame and fortune can come at a steep price, especially when it involves delving into the unknown.