Puzzle Box is an Australian found footage horror film with mental health and addiction at its core.
Synopsis
Puzzle Box is about two sisters.
Kait is a drug addict trying to stay sober for an entire week after failing rehab a handful of times, and her sister, Olivia, decides to document this whole struggle.
My Thoughts
The film kicks off in this isolated, desolate place, you know the vibe, when you show up somewhere and immediately think, “Well, this is where I die.”
The whole thing feels off from the get-go, and you don’t know why, but you know something’s coming, and yep, some screams can be heard coming from some woods, the kind of screams that make your spine do a little dance.
The tension just builds from that point and you’re just waiting for the next scare, and the film gives you that feeling of when you’re bracing yourself for something to jump out of the shadows.
The demon in the film is pretty unsettling, but it’s not about flashing a monster in your face every five seconds, as director Dignan nails the “less is more” approach.
The horror creeps in slowly, making you sweat with just a glimpse of something out of place, and it’s pretty subtle, but it works well.
At its core though the film is about addiction and mental health, and the real horror comes from watching Kait go through the mental and physical grind of trying to break free from her addiction, which you as the viewer really feel that pain she is going through.
Kaitlyn Boyé’s performance in particular is raw and real, as if she is living the pain right there on screen, and you want to cheer for her, but the inevitable spiral pulls you right back down.
You start to understand why they’re so messed up in the first place when the film starts showing flashbacks, and it’s not just the demon in the woods they need to worry about, it’s the emotional baggage they’re carrying.
And while the ending does hit quite hard, it’s also frustrating too as it can be a little bit confusing, but maybe that was just me?
Puzzle Box Trailer
Puzzle Box on IMDB
Good Points
Atmosphere That Packs a Punch: From the get-go, the film sets a seriously creepy tone, with the eerie setting and the quiet isolation, as it builds the tension.
Unique Twist on Found Footage: It’s not your average found-footage film, as it pulls you into a crazy, reality-bending nightmare, and it’s not afraid to get weird.
Strong Performances: Kaitlyn Boye and Laneikka Denne give emotional, raw performances that really make you care about these characters.
Bad Points
Confusing Plot Twist: Towards the end, the film gets really complicated. There are moments where you’re left wondering, “Wait, what’s going on here?”
Slow Start: While the atmosphere is fantastic, the first act drags a little, and it takes its time setting everything up.
Predictable Moments: For a film that starts with such a unique twist, there are moments that feel too familiar.
Is It Worth Watching?
Yep, Puzzle Box is all about building the tension and making the horror feel real and unsettling, and if you like a slower burn that leads to a genuinely creepy experience and you can handle a bit of a narrative mess towards the end, then yeah, give it a shot!
It’ll stick with you – Maybe.
Where To Watch
Director and Cast
Director – Jack Dignan
Main Cast – Kaitlyn Boyé, Laneikka Denne, Cassandre Girard, Janelle McMenamin, Matias Klaver.
Found Footage Horror Movies 
Let Me Know Your Thoughts!