Synopsis
The Taking of Deborah Logan follows a crew as they follow an elderly woman’s battle with Alzheimer’s, and as they record, they discover that something isn’t quite right.
My Thoughts
I was pleasantly surprised by the The Taking of Deborah Logan, it is one of the better found footage movies I have seen recently, and while doesn’t quite join that elite group of my very favorites, it gives it a good go.
The film follows Mia and her crew as they document Deborah Logan, an elderly woman battling Alzheimer’s, aiming to explore the impact of the disease on her family, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that something far more sinister may be at play.
The first half of the movie is particularly strong, thanks largely to Jill Larson’s powerful portrayal of Deborah, who captures the horror of Alzheimer’s with a performance that blends fear and tragedy, and watching the character’s decline is both heartbreaking and terrifying.
However, like many horror films, The Taking of Deborah Logan falls into the trap of overdoing it in the final act, and instead of letting the ambiguous horror of Deborah’s deteriorating mind take center stage, the film veers into clichéd territory with spirits, rituals, and a chaotic finale that feels forced and unnecessary.
Despite its flaws, the movie is still pretty good, and it does a decent job of effectively portrays the true horror of Alzheimer’s, though it’s weighed down by typical horror tropes that detract from its more compelling moments.
If only the filmmakers had trusted the power of the real-world tragedy they were depicting, The Taking of Deborah Logan could have been something truly special.
Good Points
Strong Lead Performance: Jill Larson delivers an outstanding performance as Deborah Logan and her portrayal captures both the fear and sadness of a woman that is losing herself to Alzheimer’s.
Atmospheric First Half: The first part of the movie is pretty well-executed, and builds the tension and unease through subtle scares and a gradual descent into horror.
The slow burn approach the film takes allows you to connect with the characters and the main theme before things escalate.
Effective Use of Found Footage: While many found footage films can feel gimmicky, The Taking of Deborah Logan uses the format in a way that actually feels quite purposeful.
Bad Points
Clichéd Final Act: The film loses its initial subtlety and depth in the final act when it resorts to some of the usual overused horror tropes and ends up a bit of a chaotic, predictable climax.
Inconsistent Tone: The movie does struggle to maintain a consistent tone, as it starts off as a tragic, unsettling portrayal of Alzheimer’s but eventually becoming a more typical supernatural horror.
Unnecessary Jump Scares: Like many found footage films, it relies on jump scares that feel more obligatory than necessary, disrupting the atmosphere of slow-building dread that works better for the story.
Is It Worth Watching?
The Taking of Deborah Logan is worth watching if you enjoy horror films that blend supernatural elements with real-world fears.
Jill Larson’s performance and the film’s exploration of Alzheimer’s as a source of horror make it stand out a bit from your typical found footage movies.
But, if you’re looking for a horror film that maintains subtlety and avoids clichés, you might find the final act disappointing.
Overall, it’s a solid watch for horror fans, especially those interested in a different take on the found footage genre, but it may not be a top-tier experience for everyone.
The Taking Of Deborah Logan on IMDB
Where To Watch
Director and Cast
Director – Adam Robitel
Main Cast – Jill Larson, Anne Ramsay and Michelle Ang
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