Afflicted

When I first spotted this movie I figured it would be right up my alley. Although i'm picky about horror movies I do enjoy them, and unlike many it seems, I find the "found footage" style of movie-making intriguing. Overall, Afflicted delivers an entertaining experience throughout, but in my opinion has a few specific fall backs.

First of all, while the acting was mostly good throughout, there were certain scenes where I felt things were a bit cheesy. That isn't my favorite descriptive word, but it happened to be the first that came to mind when thinking about it so I think it fits. Considering the filming style and what i'm assuming was a low budget, they do deserve credit for making a believable pseudo-documentary about their journey, but not everything had me swayed into thinking "yeah, this definitely feels unscripted and completely natural". Considering that this is the basic premise of "found footage" style films, to make the viewer feel like they are watching a real person instead of an actor, "Afflicted" falls short in a few areas which detract from the overall viewing experience in my humble opinion.

My second issue centers around the progression of the film. "Afflicted" starts off really strong, pacing the story along perfectly as you watch the characters depart on their journey and document the various places they visit. Things continue well until one of the main characters comes down with the "affliction" aforementioned in the movie title. From there, things tend to be less harmonious. Soon the story quickens, and you are left with parts that don't always seem to connect well. Certain scenes could have been omitted completely in my opinion.

Despite a few missteps, I have to say I quite enjoyed this movie. It's not perfect, but hey, few horror films usually are these days. I give the creators a ton of kudos for making a found footage film that actually doesn't suck, as there have unfortunately been many over the years(and a few good ones as well I might add). I would recommend this film to fans of the horror/mystery genre, or for anyone wanting to watch an entertaining, albeit different, type of movie.

It kept me interested from start to finish, and I give it a solid 6/10.

Wasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this movie. I'm normally against POV shot with a handicap type movies as they jump around too much and give me a headache.

This one didn't, it was well shot, great effects and a reasonable story to boot.

The make you jump moments are good enough to keep you watching though not too gory either

If you like zombie/vampire/cannibal movies then give this a try and you won't be disappointed by this Canadian movie.

Overall its worth a look.

I have seen an obscene amount of Horror films and a crazy amount that are Cam. I expected this film to be similar to Paranormal Activity - The Marked One which i found to be okay, nothing too special... But immediately from the start realised it was to take a much different tone, which not only was new and fresh for the Cam Horror genre but also to films in general. The film feels fun, fresh and upbeat from the start with a good use of SFX showing a real 'College Movie' vibe then quickly becomes engrossing and dark with plot twists and turns that offer something new to this over produced genre.

Would Recommend

Clif takes his terminally ill buddy Derek on a one year tour of the world. When they hit Paris Derek meets a beautiful woman at a nightclub and takes her back to his room, only to be attacked by her.

He begins undergoing some transformations and the the 2 travellers are plunged into an absolute nightmare of horror.

This found footage movie differs from others in that it offers a solid plot, well developed characters, and a great story as things progress very quickly from bad to worse.

The low budget doesn't show as the special effects are very well done. A very fun film. 8/10

This movie is a good example of what storytelling, believable narrative,character interplay and balanced action is ALL about. I was unacquainted with the sub-genre of this film and went into it expecting to let it unfold as a cautionary tale, in a similar manner as the movie Contracted. It is really rare,in my opinion, to actually stay interested as a film develops its characters and back-story. The solid acting, quirky dialog,pace and storyline are interesting enough that the viewer is content to watch as Derek and Clif prepare to undertake filming the vacation of a lifetime. Afflicted manages to avoid sticky,boring clichés and deliver some real thrills as the story and palpable desperation begins to unfold. Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say that this movie is EASILY one of my favorites in a much over-used genre, and the sympathetic, believable protagonists in the film will really keep you caring what happens to them next. Stick around for the credits and enjoy this refreshing, intense and superbly done film. Cheers!