Afflicted

Almost 15 years since "The Blair Witch Project" pretended to document an ill-fated journey into the woods, its impact is felt more deeply than ever. The found footage horror genre technically pre-dated the digital filmmaking boom by nearly two decades (with 1980's "Cannibal Holocaust") but the age of user-generated footage, when everyone with a smartphone has one trigger finger ready to hit record, has made the device too ubiquitous for its own good.

The two actors performances are credible enough to legitimize the terror, only stumbling when they glare directly into the camera and profess their fears (a "Blair Witch" cliché that has run its course, the confessional moment is the worst example of overstatement). Derek's ensuing plight across the continent, in which he scales buildings and nimbly evades various countries' police forces, suggests "Cloverfield" by way of "American Werewolf in London," but lacks the same wry, self-deprecating humor of the John Landis classic. Instead, directors Proswe and Lee established a macabre scenario and then uses it as an excuse to run wild with the production values, piling up a series of impressive chase scenes and showdowns involving characters with the powers to scale buildings and hurl bodies across the room. It's a superficial delight to watch "Afflicted" gradually ramp up its effects work, and while the scares don't sink too deep, the movie offers surefire confirmation of found footage horror's latest stage.

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.

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!

Afflicted is a found footage genre movie (if there is such a thing). Personally I am always suspicious with these types of movie. The paranormal activities, and blair witches are just about some cheap thrills and no plot, although they can be mildly entertaining. Afflicted is nothing like that. You aren't going to watch some found footage movie, with jump scares and no plot. This one actually has a story and an ending. (Yes, it doesn't just end with the camera falling on the floor). The plot appears to be quite simple. Two best friends go touring through Europe and document the entire journey on camera to post it on their website. One of them, stars to become afflicted with some sort of illness, and that's all I can reveal without spoiling. Although, storywise, it doesn't bring anything new and fresh, it grabs the viewer, and keeps you interested until the very end, with some competent acting. The special effects are very well done, and that's not considering it's a low budget movie, the effects are real good. All things considered, Afflicted is a surprisingly good movie, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants 90 minutes of entertaining and competent fim making.

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.