The Garlock Incident asks you the question: Would you risk your own survival to help someone else?
Synopsis
What begins as an innocent diversion turns into an exercise in terror when eight people realize that they are trapped in a ghost town.
My Thoughts
The Garlock Incident has been on my to watch list for a good while, and I finally got around to watching it the other day, and I am glad I did. Director-writer Evan Cholfin has created a clever found footage film that builds suspense pretty well.
Right from the start, the film feels real, jumping straight into the footage like an actual road trip, without any set up whatsoever. This immediate immersion helps make the film feel that much more more authentic and the footage’s purpose is clear from the get go.
The film’s strongest point is its tension and atmopshere, with the vast desert creating a sense of isolation, and instead of shaky cam shots, the movie uses long, still moments that let your imagination take over. This quiet suspense is where the real horror lies.
The film maintains a constant supernatural undercurrent that leaves you questioning what might be behind the characters’ impending fate, and this element amplifies their fears.
As the story unfolds, mystery turns into paranoia, leading to the climax. The film explores what happens when people leave the safety of the city and face the primal aspects of human nature while the characters’ fates depend on whether they give in to their base instincts.
The film challenges you to consider: In a life-or-death situation, would you risk your own survival to help someone else? It serves as a stark reminder that survival depends on sticking together.
While the movie doesn’t fully explore what’s lurking out there, the implications are clear. It’s far from a perfect film, and has some plot holes that are not resolved, but I found it entertaining.
The acting could have been better certainly along with the dialogue, which is often a bit repetitive, but I have seen worse found footage movies I have to say.
It has a really low rating of 3.8 on IMDB as of writing, which I think is quite harsh.
Good Points
Found Footage Approach: The film’s chooses to avoid traditional shaky cam and instead use controlled, still shots, which I appreciated.
Psychological Depth: It effectively explores the psychological horror of the characters as they face both external threats and internal fears.
Exploration of Human Nature: You are presented with some thought-provoking themes about survival and human instincts, challenging you to consider the moral implications of your actions in an extreme situation
Bad Points
Unresolved Plot Points: Some elements are introduced but never fully explored or explained, leaving frustrating gaps in the story that raise unanswered questions.
Lack of Character Depth: While the performances are passable, the characters could have been more developed.
Limited Exploration of Supernatural Elements: Although the supernatural aspect is intriguing, the film doesn’t fully delve into what’s behind it, leaving some potential left unexplored.
Is It Worth Watching?
It isn’t the best found footage film ever, but as I said above, I have seen far worse, it has something going for it and I did not mind it at all, but it has its flaws as well.
Judging by the mostly negative reviews for this film, I am in the minority though when I say it is worth a watch.
Where To Watch
Director and Cast
Director – Evan Cholfin
Main Cast – Ana Lily Amirpour, Adam Chambers, Sean Durrie, Joy Howard, Alycen Malone, Sean Muramatsu, Casey Ruggieri, Larissa Wise
Found Footage Horror Movies 
Let Me Know Your Thoughts!