We recently brought you a review of documentary In Search of Darkness, a four and a half hour film looking back at some of the prolific films and filmmakers of the eighties. One of the main thoughts I had after watching was that it would also be interesting to take a look at the modern horror circuit. It appears that actor-turned-documentary-director, Ruben Pla, must have read my mind as that’s exactly what his latest project, The Horror Crowd, is all about. Through interviews with an assortment of familiar genre faces from both in front of and behind the camera, Pla seeks to shine a light on the horror industry, and the people whom make it so special.
Whereas In Search of Darkness focused on film, Pla documents those that make them. It’s a documentary about horror film fans whom also happen to work in the industry, so there are obvious mentions of many films, but its the people behind the scenes that are the focus here. If anything, the films are the skeleton, and the content of the conversations is the flesh and blood padded on to shape the documentary into something real and unique. What further sets The Horror Crowd apart from similar films is that Pla has kept his pool of interviewees to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, leading to much more intimate discussions. In these settings – most of which are conducted in fairly informal locations such as their homes and local bars etc. – they clearly feel comfortable and relaxed, two feelings that are always conducive to a more open demeanour. Pla’s easy bond with each of them shines through the screen and transports the viewer into the room with them. Watching The Horror Crowd is akin to having drinks with friends.
The people interviewed include directors Mike Mendez (Big Ass Spider), Oren Peli (Paranormal Activity), stars Greg Grunberg, Brea Grant, horror icon Lin Shaye, and Blumhouse producer and writer, Ryan Turek. It also hones in on the unsung heroes of most genres – the writers; it features interviews with several, including Jeffrey Reddick of Final Destination fame. It’s a varied enough array of people that there’s sure to be a person or role that will interest everyone. Topics discussed range from favourite scary movie, to their time in the industry, to how they are to live with. At times, things get intensely personal as people recount past issues with alcohol, troubled childhoods, and more. There’s clearly a lot of trust between interviewer and subject for them to reveal such things and it makes the film all the more engaging. As informative, insightful, and interesting as everything the more famous folks say, it’s actually Laura Bousman, wife of Saw II – IV and Spiral director, Darren Lynn Bousman, that steals the show when she reveals her reasons for deciding Darren was the one (and it involves a dog). Moments like this let Pla’s subject’s personalities shine through, and it makes for a much more enjoyable watch than the typical sequence of stiff, almost robot-like, talking heads that we are used to.
As varied and interesting as the talent are, it’s unclear how appealing on paper the film will be to those not already familiar with some of the people featured. Whilst those of us invested in the horror industry know exactly who Mike Mendez is by sight, the average horror watcher probably has no idea, and as such might not be compelled to seek The Horror Crowd out. Once watching however, it won’t matter whether you knew them before or not, as by the end of Ruben Pla’s film, you’ll feel like you made several new best friends.
A fun and friendly study of the modern day horror community that feels like having drinks with friends, The Horror Crowd is an honest and intimate film that lets it’s subject’s voices and personalities be heard. With so much in-depth and personal information on offer, you’re sure to find your new genre BFF and you’ll be clamouring to be one of the horror crowd too.
The Horror Crowd was reviewed at Arrow Video FrightFest 2020. The Horror Crowd screens next at Grimmfest. You can buy tickets for the screening here.
The Horror Crowd
Summary
Although its appeal outside of the genre world may be limited, director Ruben Pla has packed in a ton of insight, information, and heart, that will charm all that seek it out.
