peeps_ahoy

I watched the 1st episode, most of the 2nd, and the beginning of the 3rd, then just skipped to Tim Robinson's episode (I'm a fan of his other show I Think You Should Leave) because this show felt mostly unbearable to watch. I'm pretty sure I didn't really laugh until Tim Robinson's episode. Most of these comedians don't fare as well in the format of the show, and their ability to make a character automatically funny is lacking. And that's a pretty important ability on this show, because the jokes are largely not present. So it ends up being a parade of dislikable characters. It's a shame. Tim Robinson does a good job in his episode (though the first skit took a little longer than I would like to get off the ground). It's just a form of comedy that not every comedian can pull off, and this show proves that.

This is a found-footage within found-footage/mockumentary style, first and foremost. For me, I'm fine with that.

This movie, however, is what you would get if you combined "It Follows" with "Archive 81" (rip it being cancelled after 1 season, but I digress) with "Blink" from Doctor Who and maybe "Nightmare on Elm Street", but sorely lacking in a lot of areas - like lacking substance, empathy for any reason pretty much, much plot, and simply not being disturbing. Make sure you stick around for the post-credit scene, though.

I was a lot more interested in the found footage of the film students, especially in the girl who is very NOT on board with what is done. The other characters, and the "main" current-day character, are just... lacking. They simply act toward one self-destructive goal, for the only purpose of "it's an interesting movie and this thing is maybe real." Well, and money. However, these things give 0 depth to the characters themselves or understanding of who they are as people. So we ultimately don't care. Especially since they're doing some weird stuff that involves, at best, certain discomfort (keeping eyes open for an hour - this isn't a spoiler as it happens right at the start) if even possible - the film itself is chock full of improbabilities - and at worst, gets you killed. Additionally, all film-maker characters at times consider embellishing things, so they aren't even quite likeable. Also certain things are brought up, then ignored or not addressed much/looked into, like any of the sound analysis.

ALSO, there are like 2-3 out of nowhere jumpscares (there is a part some might consider a jumpscare that isn't really) that happen after a bit into the film, taking the viewer extremely offguard and it feels quite out-of-place to have a CHEAP jumpscare of something suddenly appearing on the whole cam screen. To the point where I was cringing in preparation for a jumpscare when there wasn't even one.

We also never learn ANYTHING. ANYTHINGGGGGG about the "Peeping Tom" (which is the worst name for an evil supernatural entity ever, ftr). Who is he? Why does he do this? How does it work? What makes it work? Why are the "butterfly kisses" important to know?

A psychological thriller, this is not. A good movie, not really. It's well-put-together, but the concept is just lame because literally nothing and no one in this movie is really fleshed out.

The best part of this movie is its intermittent discussion of the dilemmas facing the found footage genre and how to approach filming. The director? Of Blair Witch even makes a cameo, which was surprising but he engrossed me the most with his dialogue (hopefully genuine). Anyway it is fairly meta.

It kept me entertained while watching it, but I immediately started seeing some issues, and now it is the following day, and I realized how hollow and forgettable this film is. So I give it an average of 5 for its merits, but also the fact I didn't dislike watching it at the time. I will not watch this again, however.

Wow, this is heavy/intense. The emotions never stop being tense.

The acting is honestly amazing. The boy is played to perfection.

The whole movie had me remembering the film "We Need to Talk About Kevin" (so if you enjoyed one, you'll enjoy the other, though M. O. M. Is all through the lens of various cameras). The camera work is fantastic and I forgot this was considered "found footage" genre. There are many angles, almost no "shaky cam", and it's immersive and claustrophobic feeling both physically and emotionally. The film left me feeling speechless.

If you wouldn't already watch the credits, please do since there is a post-credit scene.

Anyway the whole movie is chilling and I highly recommend it. It's definitely a psychological thriller. I will say that it is ultimately likely going to leave you feeling unsettled and disturbed, for any number of reasons the movie gladly provides.