Afflicted feels quite fresh, and is surprisingly a bit emotional for a found footage film.
Synopsis
Two best friends travel plans take a horrid turn in Paris. One of them is discovered scratched and bleeding in his hotel room and gradually exhibits symptoms of a mysterious affliction.
My Thoughts On Afflicted
Things start off pretty lighthearted in Afflicted watching the two best friends travelling, but when they reach Paris, things take a turn, as Derek meets a girl at a bar, takes her back to his place, and… well, let’s just say it doesn’t end well for him as she attacks him before vanishing without a trace.
What I love about Afflicted is that, while it’s shot like a found-footage film, it doesn’t feel like the usual shaky cam horror we’ve seen a million times before.
It’s more like a documentary of Derek’s transformation, and since the lead actors, Derek Lee and Clif Prowse, also wrote and directed the film, their chemistry is really good, and that bond is what makes the story hit so hard.
The movie takes its time building tension, and before we get to see things start unraveling, and the found footage style really adds to that intensity as it feels quite raw and immediate, and some of the scenes are not just creepy, they’re pretty exhilarating.
Typically, found footage films follow people being hunted by some unknown force, but this one flips the script, and instead of running from the monster, we’re watching someone become one.
The way it’s filmed makes you feel like you’re on the journey with them, witnessing every horrifying moment up close, and even when the storytelling shifts into a more cinematic style toward the end, the movie never loses its grip on you.
Afflicted is a unique and terrifying take on both the found footage and creature genres, and I found it thrilling, intense, and surprisingly emotional, with effects that put bigger budget films to shame.
Good Points
Unique Take on Found Footage – Instead of the usual running from something in the dark setup, it’s a personal transformation story that feels quite fresh.
Impressive Visual Effects – Despite a low budget, the film delivers stunning effects, especially in scenes where Derek tests his new abilities.
Tension Builds Well – The slow burn approach works, letting the story breathe before plunging into full-blown horror.
Bad Points
Predictable in Some Areas – While the setup is fresh, if you’ve seen enough horror movies, you can guess where it’s heading once Derek starts changing.
Shifts into a More Traditional Style Toward the End – The final act loses some of the found-footage realism and feels a little too polished compared to the rest of the film.
Not Much Explanation for the Supernatural Elements – The movie gives hints but doesn’t fully explore why this transformation is happening, leaving some unanswered questions.
Is It Worth Watching?
100% yes.
It’s not perfect as there are a few plot holes but overall it’s a gripping, well paced, and genuinely unsettling movie that punches well above its budget.
Afflicted On IMDB
Afflicted Trailer
Where To Watch
Director and Cast
Director – Derek Lee and Clif Prowse.
Main Cast – Derek Lee and Clif Prowse.
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