Review of Chernobyl Diaries (2012) by Hector M — 04 Mar 2013

The Chernobyl Diaries has been criticised for being disrespectful to the victims of the disaster. My response would be that all urban legends stem from truths and that we celebrate serial killers on film with disregard for their victims.

It's not a disrespectful film at all and if anything, it brings the disaster into conversation. It's not something that's taught in schools and so the movie helps preserve the historical significance of the lives lost.

Aside from all of that the film was also poorly received... hmm, well it worked for me. Written and produced by Oren Peli (Paranormal Activity & Insidious) its about a group of tourists traveling through Russia and are convinced to take a tour of Chernobyl, the infamous city abandoned after a nuclear meltdown.

Keeping a safe distance from the radioactive epicentre the group find themselves stranded when their vehicle is mysteriously sabotaged. The film then proceeds into familiar territory with spooky noises, sudden startles and lurking figures.

Its formula fodder that's worked for years and (for me) I found the Chernobyl setting to be a refreshing and unique approach. Its effectiveness lies in the "less is more" approach (aka the Jaws dealio) where suspense is built using environment, sound and light.

A nice touch is also the casting of Nathan Phillips, an Aussie actor I've admired for years. I enjoy seeing him pop up in international films. Oren Peli is forging a name for himself in horror and I hope he sticks with the genre.

I suspect he has lots to offer and some of his upcoming projects include Lords of Salem, 51 and Paranormal Activity 5 (hey, its a cash cow thats allowing him to make better stuff).