The Review (Spoiler Free)
First of all, not to be confused with the movie with same title from 2013.
“Evidence,” a found footage horror film released in 2011, directed by Howie Askins, embarks on a chilling journey into the unknown. The film follows a group of friends who set out into the wilderness with the intention of having a fun camping trip, only to find themselves stalked by an unseen entity.
The narrative is driven by Ryan McCoy, who not only stars in the film but also serves as the screenwriter and producer. His portrayal of a film student obsessed with capturing every moment on camera adds a layer of meta-commentary on the genre itself. The cast, including Brett Rosenberg, Abigail Richie, and Ashley Bracken, deliver performances that range from genuinely terrified to frustratingly naive, which is typical for the genre.
The movie starts with a slow burn, utilizing the low-budget toolkit to its advantage. The first half of the film is filled with the usual tropes: squabbling youths, half-glimpsed horrors, and unsettling noises in the night. However, it’s the second half where “Evidence” takes a bold turn, ramping up the pace and expanding the scope of the story in a manner reminiscent of the Spanish horror film “[REC].”
Critics have noted that while “Evidence” may stumble in its narrative path, it compensates with audacity and a certain raw charm. The creature, which is cleverly obscured due to budget constraints, adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere without revealing too much. This restraint is commendable and contributes to the film’s overall tension.
The film has been described as a sensory onslaught, with visual and aural abrasions that are both effective and at times overwhelming. It’s a rollercoaster of jump scares and tense moments that are the hallmark of found footage horror. Despite its shortcomings in plot development, “Evidence” manages to keep the audience engaged with its smart use of planning and unexpected twists.
In the Nutshell
“Evidence” stands as a testament to the found footage genre, showcasing what can be achieved with limited resources and a creative vision. It’s a film that will likely appeal to fans of the genre, offering enough thrills and chills to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it certainly makes for an entertaining ride. [3 out of 5 stars]
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Genre: Found-Footage
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