User reviews

"The Cohasset Snuff Film" purports to be found footage of a high school student's killing spree in the town of Cohasset, Massachusetts in the form of vlogs left by 17-year-old Colin Mason, and his filmed murders. The filmmakers claim that we're seeing actual murder footage in this "documentary" and, to further add to the illusion of realism, people featured in the film are credited as themselves. It's clear, while watching the interviews (with supposed psychologists, a priest, family members, fellow students of the victims, and so on) that these are actors, or people TRYING to act. It's certainly possible, and even plausible so it wouldn't spoil the illusion of a "real" documentary, that unknown amateurs were brought on for the roles. But it's evident that these were individuals reciting lines, attempting to emote, etc. I think the worst offender was "Colin Mason" himself, in his many monologues. I get where the movie was coming from, or at least what it was trying to say -- about how troubled kids are often ignored until it's too late -- but unfortunately for us, the audience, we basically learn nothing about Colin that would turn him into a killer. Which I suppose is why it was decided to just make him a serial killer instead?

And if you were drawn in by the box art, which is fairly gory, the film itself is pretty tame in comparison. There's a lot more nudity than bloodshed, which again would make you wonder why a free streaming service like Plex would have a movie that contains real murders, and the nudity of 17-year-old murder victims? I don't think that would be a thing.

One suspension of disbelief that didn't work for me is the claim that the entire town, after finding out that Colin had uploaded his murder footage to various torrent sites, decided to take action to scrub the footage off the Internet (good luck with that) and then basically erase the murders from existence. The police are going to cooperate, and risk jail themselves down the road? The town government? One woman FROM the town government is interviewed for this documentary, admitting to her crime! Surely the state's attorney general might have some questions upon being notified that in the aftermath of a serial killer operating in a small town, the police and local government just decided to destroy evidence and not notify anyone that it had happened?

For a $50,000 budget, it was an ambitious undertaking that unfortunately didn't do anything new that strained credulity.

Firstly, is anybody really going to shed any tears when the "found footage" genre finally dies its long overdue death? Anyhow, I was prompted to add my thoughts after looking through the written reviews here and felt some things really needed to be added.

1. This film has an average rating of 3.0 from 26 users

2. The written reviews rated this film at 9, 8 and 9

3. Each of these reviewers have a total of one, and only one, review on IMDb.

4. Subtract these three review scores from the total and the average rating drops to 2.3 - which is the level that should trigger alarm bells. It ain't easy to score that low here.

5. The one external review (horrornews.net) tries to be as polite as it can, but does raise some other points of interest which are not mentioned in the IMDb user reviews: the absence of film credits; that the "based on a true story" claims fall apart on investigation; and, quote: "Essentially what this film is, is a collection of the Youtube videos that follow Collin Mason from being a snot-nosed teen into his self recorded murder exploits".

6. The horrornews.net review has only one comment from a person under the pseudonym "CinematicCritic", claiming to be a horror cinema connoisseur and reviewer but offering no credentials or links, who attempts to reassert that yes, this is indeed based on real life but, again fails to provide references. The rest of the rather long comment has to be read to be appreciated as an exercise in true shill-craft.

My final thoughts. Horror fans are a fickle bunch. And there is a golden rule no aspiring new film maker should ever break. Don't take us for a ride by feeding us false premises and praise for one's own genius. We have long memories and we don't often get fooled twice.

I don't really know if I can put into words just how bad this movie is. The acting was horrible. While I think the story had potential, it was executed very poorly.I'm simply surprised the filmmakers were proud enough of this film to release this film.

I think that the reason a lot of people gave this movie high credit is it is topical... dealing with school killings, which is sure to strike a chord with many Americans. I checked it out based on one such recommendation. I was told it was a daring insight into the mind of a school killer and that you could watch the decline of the kids mind through the progression of the story. Frankly... BS. The character's decline is more like one step from a comic villain into a only slightly more villainous comic villain, and the acting is so god awfully hammy I actual didn't know whether to find it funny or painful. A couple of the support characters don't do a bad job, although most are less than sterling performers... but the lead... :P All the director needed to add was a maniacal laugh as he wrings his hands. Nor is it daring. This has been done, several times, and several times it has been done so much better. Don't believe the hype... this movie is just tripe, but if you are an American teenager... well, you might think it is good.

As a huge fan of found-footage, this has got to be one of the worst, if not the worst, FF film I have ever seen. The lead was beyond incompetent, so much so that he actually ruined the film. His awkward pauses, and uninspired performance just made me laugh out loud, and not in a good way. It was like watching an amateur try to remember his lines. There were some convincing people in this movie, in particular, the rest of the high school cast. But when your lead is that untalented, how can you save the rest of the movie? It had great potential, but honestly, nothing good can be said about the actual finished product. It was just plain terrible. People really need to stop casting family members and friends in their movies, and find people with actual talent instead. It is a shame that the premise was wasted by such a horrible actor. Avoid this film and do not support such shoddy and poorly conceived film making.

I watched this film thinking it was going to be a typical made up blood and gore film. It was not. It was more of a look into the mind of a serial killer and watching as he fell deeper into insanity. I felt it was very well put together, and kept me interested throughout the entire movie. I recommend this film to anyone who is fascinated with the psychological aspect of serial killers. If slasher films are your thing, you may be disappointed though. Otherwise, this one is not a waste of time. I found myself very focused and had actual reactions while watching this movie. It gets into your mind and you can almost feel what the people in the movie feel, which makes it chilling. 7 stars for sure.

There is so much I can say regarding how awesomely, amazingly awful this film is. But sadly I cannot. The only thing that that needs to be mentioned is how noteworthingly terrible the lead is. He is laughably bad as an actor and sank this Titanic of a motion picture within one line of his dialogue. This film was mostly this goofy boy trying WAY to much to be the typical psycho but does it in such a slapstick way. When he attacks the jogger he says "this is a low budget film". That is the truth.

Don't judge a movie by it's cover. This is not a slash 'em up gore-fest. Instead they let you into the mind of a killer in order to try to get some incite on what is actually going through his mind.

I have never done well while watching "home movies" because of the cameras shakiness, however, this camera work was handled excellent.

Steven Wu gives an excellent performance as Colin. Ted Payson did an superb job walking us through every event and lets us see the changes Colin endures throughout the film. There is a lot of talent throughout this film, and personally, I'm really excited to see the other works of Ted Payson, along with where the cast and crew goes from here.

I've seen a lot of horror films, from mainstream to low budget indie, but I won't call myself an expert. I will say though that if you go into this movie expect a gory, blood gushing slasher, you're not going to get what you are looking for. Perhaps the best way to describe this movie is more psychological thriller with a tinge of horror. This movies doesn't delve too deeply into the gruesome, but rather adheres to the old adage "what you don't see can scare you." It doesn't go for cheap jumps like most of the mainstream horror films do now but rather studies the inner workings of what drives people to commit these crimes through the "found footage" genre. While it may not be in the highest of production values, it does emphasize in the character and story structure which is what is needed in this genre. Take the time to watch this movie, but don't let it M. Night Shyamalan you into expecting what it isn't.

This movie really surprised me.

I was expecting to watch a movie I've already seen done over and over but I WAS WRONG!

There is a really artistic feel to the writing and a hidden message in all the insanity.

It was refreshing that the movie isn't just focused around horror gore and an over abundance of blood, sex and nudity.

It truly makes you think and feel for the characters and give you a bone chilling sense of tragedy, and a true sense of horror. I would watch it again and again.

A normal 17 year old growing up in the USA would be studying, playing sports or possibly designing the latest app but Collin Mason from Cohasset in Massachusetts has other ideas involving the demise of his class mates.

The Cohasset snuff film reminds me of the blair witch project because of it's personal camera cinematography and the horror combination but another likeness is not knowing if it's real or acted.

The movie is based around Collin with snippets of interviews from people close to events or have something to add, collin describes his hate rid for others and the end result is quite chilling.

The movie is very well constructed considering the budget and if you like real horror and extreme violence this is well worth watching.

This movie is sensational! The view of perspective is highly unique combined with an unpredictable storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. The way this picture is filmed truly brings out an airy feeling throughout. There were no dull moments; each scene was gripping and I found myself attempting to out think the main character on his next move. Being from a small rural town I was connected and understood the "local folk" feel of the film. The story is realistic and can happen anywhere also there is a personal touch that brings you into the realm of Cohasset, Massachusetts. The Cohasset Snuff Film is doused with a touch of twisted humor that was truly enjoyable. I even thought of this film after a few days of watching and the story was still in my thoughts.

In 2009, the town of Cohasset, Massachusetts stopped being a small peaceful town in the eastern seaboard. 17-year-old Collin Mason murdered three classmates and videotaped and uploaded his accounts for the world to see. Although all the sites have with the footage have taken the videos down, copies were spread and still available through the underground.

If you like found footage films this is one that will have your hairs standing on the back of your neck. The chilling tale of this disturbed individual and the interviews of the people around him will take you into a dark place. It was something so horrible I really couldn't imagine watching it, much less hearing it. The movie subject is so disturbing to hear and so realistic you forget it's a movie.

Edward Payson takes some risks and it pays off in the end. If you like slashers and psychological thrillers, the cast will paint a picture that will keep you awake at night wondering and thinking of the unthinkable. Steven Wu does an excellent job playing Colin Mason and his voice lingers even after the damage is done. This is a very disturbing experience and if you are into being scared out of your wits, then watch this film.

The title is hilarious OK I have not seen this movie I watched the trailer. but being from the Boston area the fact that it's Cohasset is just great I'm sure in every city there of these suburban towns that have these funny names Now if it was the Springfield slasher or the main street murderer or something like that it wouldn't be as cool Luckily Massachusetts has great names to make horror movies. they picked a great name

Might watch it