The Borderlands

Churches are said to be among the most haunted places on earth. There's something about the most holiest of edifices that is said to house the supernatural more than any other. "The Borderlands" is a take on this phenomenon in documentary-like footage. Paranormal investigators are sent to a rural church where an unexplainable incident occurred which was caught on camera. At first not much occurs with some of the group wanting to pack it in and leave. But shortly after events transpire to alter their perceptions leading to a downward spiral that sends everyone and everything crashing down into one infernal and bloody hell. The film keeps the frights raw and spare heightening the sense of realism with moving objects, disappearing apparitions, loud crashes, unholy sounds and eerie silences that permeate the sense of dread and fear. Credit to the actors with their flawless natural acting as they show how man is when faced with the unknown and highlighting the shallow and unpleasant nature of human interaction in the present. As with these kinds of film's the pace is slow-going made worse with a disappointing ending. While no classic "The Borderlands" is a good watch to get some of those thrills and chills up and going on cold rainy nights.

I gotta say, The Borderlands is actually very funny in places, they took a great risk tying together humour and scares but for some bizarre reason, it certainly works.

I fully enjoyed both elements of the film, and it's acted really, really well (and filmed the same). The tale follows some investigators sent by the Vatican to check out a claim by a local priest of a possession in an old church. One of the investigators isn't a religious man however, just a tech guy there to do all the video stuff etc. Hes the funny one, and I kinda felt the humour amplified the scares when they came. When it gets to a screaming sheep set on fire (yes really) it is quite shocking as it's unexpected. And from there it swings from light hearted banter (never forced) to heavy shocks. I enjoyed it, and thought I wouldn't. Definitely worth a watch.

This is a generous 8 many because its low budget and particularly for some reason it just hit the spot for me. I'm a veteran horror movie buff and started watching this 'found footage' style movie with a meh, another one. It isn't actually found footage but more a footage style in that due to the Vatican team experiencing some grizzly occurrences previously the Vatican wants everything filmed as part of new regulations. Hence we have characters with camera headsets on and fixed static cameras in places. All the shots are then taken from these points of view so we do experience some viewing as what the characters see but it's a tool not 'found footage' so shaky cam does not go over the top. Its a bit of a slow burner but sucked me in unexpectedly within minutes. There's something quite natural about the lead characters and its so far removed from the majority of US generic stuff that I was totally intrigued instantly. This movie also did something very rare - it creeped me out. Everything is quite subtle even the humour and religious and life philosophy is touched upon in what seems like normal interactive banter. It had me guessing all the way through and surprised me with its ending, which I was even able to trace back many subtle references to throughout the movie. I actually laughed as it is very rare I'm surprised by a movies ending. If you want pizzaz and action and gore this is not for you I've never actually read HP Lovecraft but I think this is something somewhat in that vein. A kinda creepy slow burning mystery would suit the description and there is not one single young attractive woman who can't run straight without falling over in it.

"The Borderlands" strictly capitalizes orthodox tropes of horror fundamentals! Places of Worship, Altars, Demonic Activities; all standard textbook stuff! Now mix it up with British Humor, A creepy church house & an engaging cast; and Voila you get yourself a fairly decent piece of work!

Everything's not been flawless though like they never come to be! This too had its fair share of issues and almost all of them come forth due to its rather inferior writing! Especially as we move towards the end. Which, in all honesty; gave the impression of asininity & impreciseness!

Albeit a bit outstretched, luckily; we got enough suspense, shocks & fiery character moments to sail us through the entire runtime! In a nutshell, this is an above average execution that would only appeal to enthusiasts and to those who have a soft spot for this specific genre!

The Borderlands is one of the better found-footage films that has come out of late, and is one of the best British horror films to come out in a seriously long time.

Initially a little unconvincing, and with a slightly irritating character played by Robin Hill, it may take a short while to settle into. But as events unfold and things get darker, I guarantee you will be glued to the screen, as creepy and sinister becomes terrifying and horrific. The acting is great, the tension never falters, and the ending is one of the nastiest to feature in a horror film in years. A good film.