Review of Atrocious (2010) by Zed C — 05 Apr 2013

Contrary to popular opinion 'found footage' is not the easiest of horror sub-genres to tackle. Maybe that's why there's so much grumping whenever one such film is released. I'm no film student or anything but I love 'found footage' horror and in my opinion you need to get at least some things right.

First and foremost you need well-defined, rounded characters, so whenever they are onscreen their time should not be wasted. You also need suspense, tension that should feel unbearable (because a proper 'found footage' should also be low-budget, or at least feel like one) and a good climax, a nice twist. Rarely one gets all but at least one is required, if nothing else to get you through the movie.

This effort from Spain seriously lacks character development, and considering our protagonists are a family this is an important setback. Tension doesn't show until 50 minutes in and 20 before the end, and though not 'unbearable' it's worthwhile.

So far, so-so. What elevates the film (just) above mediocrity is its climax, which is satisfyingly gruesome and unexpectedly grounded, which, come to think of it, is not to be found on better films like Evidence and the mighty Blair Witch Project.

Not an essential then but you could do much worse, like driving to your local cinema and watch one of those high-profile dreadful affairs that somehow passes for horror.