If nothing else is true about 'The Triangle,' I appreciate that it is largely a collaborative effort among a group of friends; the same names write, direct, produce, star, edit, and handle cinematography in turn. With that said, for a found footage flick, it seems to boast higher or at least more evident production values than many of its brethren. I think this is fairly well made in every regard. It also struggles with the common issue of a major lack of eventfulness for a substantial portion of its length, in this case almost two-thirds the runtime. Once the turn does come 'The Triangle' is duly unsettling, and the value becomes clear. The payoff may be insufficient for some viewers, but for as quietly as the movie comes and goes, I find myself quite liking it.
There's no acute fright here, and no overarching atmosphere until that late turn. Rather, this is the type of film that aims to be slow and steady, subtly digging in its claws when the right moment comes. That may not sound like much, but at least in my book it's all that it needs to be. And the beauty of 'The Triangle' is that for what it achieves, it does so with minimal embellishment: the production design, art direction, and effects are present, but noticeably small so as to fit neatly within a low budget. One might deliberate on how much is truly required of the cast, but it strikes me that they ably and earnestly sell the softly sinister proceedings, and for that matter the eccentricity of the community that precedes it. And much credit also belongs, I think, to Adam Cotton. His original score is bare-bones and kept to the background at all times, yet disquieting as such; just as importantly, his sound design and effects are essential to the viewing experience, and simple as these may be, the result further feeds into the eeriness.
The best way to describe this may in fact be "minimalist found footage." Obviously a lot of hard work went into it, certainly, yet the abnormal manifestations presented to us are few, & the profit therefrom as a viewer is hushed. At no time is 'The Triangle' discretely gripping, but nor does it want or try to be. Though distinctly downplayed, the horror element is strong all the same as it rolls around. I can understand how such a low-key flick may not hold broad appeal, but for those who can appreciate the subdued tone, I think it's swell. There maybe isn't any need to go out of your way for it, but if you have the chance to watch 'The Triangle,' this is a good bit of fun.
