The introduction is brilliant as it sets the tone and mood for the film immediately. The voiceover (Christopher Korek) does a fantastic job, adding a bone chilling narrative that really had me wondering what horrors lay ahead. This is a found footage film. With stunning scenery of Bulgaria, lush and green, rolling hills and sunny flatlands, how can anything possibly go wrong? Georgina (played by Simona Rose) steps off a plane to begin her new gig as a DoP (Director of Photography) for a new film, and she has no clue that her life is about to change forever. The car hire driver Petar (played by Miroslav Petkov) collects her from the airport and will be her driver while she is in Bulgaria. I like the way all the actors involved are shown to us by Georgina in a folder, and I recognise several faces. There are cameo appearances, that add characters into the storyline, but to be perfectly honest, I think just Rose and Petkov could have done this without anybody else involved. But they did help to flesh out the story. For a found footage film, it landed perfectly, it definitely felt believable. There is an air of tension when Georgina and Petar decide to explore an old, abandoned structure, when they are on their way to the film shoot. Unfortunately, this becomes a case of mistakes made and warnings not heeded. There is a masked figure who they call, the Side Splitter (played by Boyan Dimitrov) who is a frightening character. When he enters the scene, the story ramps up, as does the suspense, bringing terror into the story arc. Who is this person? What does he want? Will anyone get out alive? There are so many great elements in the film that will keep the viewer wanting to know more!
Overall, the tone of dread comes through, the mood changes at vital moments, and the horror scenes are delivered in a gruelling way to please all horror/thriller fans. The SOV filming style is perfect for found footage, and it worked well for this film. The acting is always great when it comes to Rose and Petkov. Another golden gem of indie filmmaking to add to your watch list. You will not be disappointed.
Reviewed by Del Gibson.
