What Happened to Dorothy Bell? is quite an intimate found footage horror film
Synopsis
Ozzie Gray sets out to investigate disturbing revelations from her childhood and her late grandmother, Dorothy. In an attempt to communicate with her grandmother, Ozzie awakens something more malevolent than she could have ever imagined.
My Thoughts on What Happened To Dorothy Bell?
Good Points
Strong Lead Performance
Asya Meadows gives a pretty good performance as Ozzie, balancing grief, shock, and curiosity in a way that feels fairly relatable, as we watch the truth about her grandmother unravel.
Supporting Cast
Lisa Wilcox as Dr. Connelly provides a calming and grounding presence, while Steven Alonte, Sargon Odicho, and Arlene Arnone Bibbs also contribute well, all adding layers to the narrative without stealing focus from the main story.
Emotionally Rich
The movie is about trauma, betrayal, and reconciling past memories with difficult truths, and it goes beyond typical ghost story tropes, and is a fairly deep movie.
Subtle, Effective Horror
The film favors slow building dread, and all the tension comes from Ozzie’s investigations, therapy sessions, and attempts to communicate with Dorothy Bell’s spirit.
Visual Authenticity
Despite a modest budget, the visuals are carefully crafted, and the quiet attention alongside the camera work works well.
Thoughtful Pacing
While the story takes its time, and some might find it slow, it does allow each moment to land, where scenes are given some space to breathe.
Engaging Mystery
You become invested in uncovering both the truth about Ozzie’s grandmother and the otherworldly elements of the story, and it’s quite an interesting film overall.
Realistic Reactions
Ozzie’s cautious exploration, her fear, and her moments of doubt feel natural ennough, and the film avoids the ridiculous or illogical choices often seen in found footage horror.
Bad Points
Minor Tropes Present
Some found footage conventions appear, but they’re minor and don’t dominate the story, but they’re noticeable.
Uneven Climax Intensity
The film’s climax is pretty effective but not as shocking as it could be, and after such a patient build up, the ending feels smaller than anticipated.
Predictable Elements
You might predict key twists before they unfold.
Minor Technical Hiccups
On rare occasions, audio or lighting inconsistencies can be noticed, and while they are small, but they stand out briefly.
Final Thoughts on What Happened To Dorothy Bell?
What Happened to Dorothy Bell? is quite an intimate found footage horror film, and for fans of psychological horror that favor suspense, this one is worth watching.
What Happened To Dorothy Bell? Trailer
What Happened To Dorothy Bell? on IMDB
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