Synopsis: One of the sickest bloodbaths in horror movie history occurs after a deranged stalker becomes obsessed with real life horror film critic Todd Smith.
As a serious fan of indie horror, I’m always trying to find the unexpected hidden treasures off the beaten path of Hollywood mainstream. Nothing compares to the thrill of discovering something incredible that most people have yet to find; to know that you are watching someone on the cusp of greatness. Great films deserve an audience. Films that are truly creative, innovative, and risk-taking need to be seen and fully appreciated.
I discovered REEL, a unique found footage film from the folks at Hidden Horizons, quite by accident. I stumbled upon a promotion for the film via Instagram. I reached out to writer and director Chris Goodwin to learn more. He could not have been more gracious and accommodating. I was immediately sent a link to the watch the movie online, along with a wealth of background information and resources. I almost dreaded watching the film, given the very real possibility that I’d be sadly disappointed and have to write an unfavorable review.
Fortunately, my fears were completely unfounded. Although I had to watch the film on my inferior laptop screen (sadly, the film has not made it to VOD), I can’t remember the last time I’ve been more completely and utterly absorbed in a film from beginning to end. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Despite its found footage premise, which I know might immediately turn some people off, I can’t stress enough that this movie is creative, compelling, and brilliantly executed. It offers a unique twist on the subgenre, using the found footage framing device in innovative and captivating ways.
Much like the brilliant The Blair Witch Project, the film that galvanized the renewed interest and popularity in the subgenre, REEL does a great job setting up the believable