Nightshot is one of those films that’s more impressive for how it’s made than for what it’s about.
Synopsis
A vlogger and her cameraman explore an abandoned sanatorium rumored to have a doctor who conducted deadly experiments
My Thoughts
Good Points
Good First Impressions
At first, Nightshot feels like it’s going to be just another shaky camera ghost hunt, but the “one continuous take” approach gives it an edge, and is bold for such a low-budget film.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is by far the film’s biggest strength, with the sanatorium setting feeling genuinely creepy.
Smart Technical Execution
Even though the movie’s story has problems, the technical side is really well done, with the use of darkness and limited light sources adding some realism instead of frustration.
Excellent Sound Design
The sound work is subtle but very effective, and while there aren’t many jump scares, but the film doesn’t need them.
A Few Standout Sequences
A couple of scenes in the film are exactly the kind of scenes that reminds you what found footage can do when it’s handled with care, even if they are few and far between here.
Bad Points
Flat and Frustrating Characters
The biggest issue with Nightshot is the characters, as Nathalie and Hugo never feel like real people,. and Hugo, especially, is the kind of horror character that tests your patience.
Nathalie does fare a bit better, at least she starts to realize how bad things are.
Weak Writing and Reactions
Found footage really only works when characters behave believably, and these two characters often do the exact opposite of what any sane person would do.
Slow Pacing
I usually don’t mind a slow burn, but Nightshot takes its time to a fault, and the tension dips just long enough for you to zone out.
Lack of Emotional Connection
I never really cared what happened to Nathalie or Hugo, as they’re written without much depth or background, and you don’t get a sense of who they are beyond “people with cameras.”
Unclear Story
By the end of the film, I still wasn’t sure what exactly had happened, as the film seems content to let the mystery hang in the air, and it just feels unfinished.
Missed Potential
With stronger characters and a more focused script, Nightshot could’ve been one of the best low budget found footage films in years.
Instead, it settles for being a stylish experiment.
Is Nightshot Worth Watching?
Nightshot is one of those films that’s more impressive for how it’s made than for what it’s about.
It’s an ambitious, creative project that proves atmosphere can do a lot of heavy lifting — just not quite enough to save a weak script.
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