Starring Katie F. and Micah S.
Edited by Oren Peli
Dread: (1) awful: causing fear or terror; (2) apprehension: fearful expectation or anticipation; (3) fear: be afraid or scared of; be frightened of.
While watching Paranormal Activity, dread was the one word that kept coming back to me over and over again. Every time the camera sat on its perch overlooking the lead couple’s bed, I was gripped by an agonizing feeling of foreboding that what I was about to see was going to scare the pants off of me and bring me one step closer to not being able to sleep tonight. Which is why it’s now 3:00 AM and I’m writing this review instead of resting comfortably in my own bed. I’m also pausing every few minutes to look over my shoulder in case someone — or something — might be lurking there. You are no doubt thinking, “Yeah, right. There’s no way some no-budget, no-name docu-style flick is keeping ME up at night!” Well, my friends, I beg to differ. This here is the real deal. Simply put, Paranormal Activity is the most frightening ghost story of the year. I’d bet cash money nobody can watch the entire thing without saying at least three or four times, “That’s some fucked up shit.” Or, more accurately, “That’s some seriously fucked up shit.”
The chemistry between these two is remarkable, and their dialogue never seems forced or scripted. They seem as real as you and I, especially when Micah does the exact stupid things you’d expect someone in his situation with no connection to the spiritual realm to do. Katie probably shouldn’t have put up with his arrogant, macho behavior for as long as she does, but that, too, is plausible considering her fear and uncertainty as to the best course of action under such trying circumstances. Katie is onscreen for about 99% of the time and does an amazing job of carrying the film as well as the audience’s trust and confidence. Had she ever struck a false note, the whole thing would have gone up in smoke, but luckily for us, she is 100% believable and sympathetic.
Paranormal Activity is one of those films that as soon as you’re done watching it makes you want to call up your friends to talk about. It’ll keep you glued to the screen and wondering what will happen next, particularly when that damn bedroom cam kicks on again. Although I did have an inkling as to how things might wind up for our troubled young lovers, the actual ending turned out to be even more unsettling than I could have ever imagined. But don’t take my word for it; see this one for yourselves. Something this good won’t stay undiscovered for long.
Note: This review is based on an earlier version of the film rather than the 2009 theatrical release.
4 1/2 out of 5
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