Found footage films were once a fairly standardised sub-genre of horror. Films all followed the same handheld shaky video footage format, slowly building up to one big scare before abruptly ending. As time has progressed the sub-genre has started to break out of its box. The advancement of technology such as drones, camera phones, digital cameras etc. have upgraded the grainy and wobbly visuals. Modern methods of media consumption, such as YouTube videos and social media have also opened the door to new ways of telling a found footage story. Even the idea of how to use the found footage has been adapted. What was once a strict format of introductory text, warning of the content which follows, has in some instances become more sophisticated. One film that follows this mantra is Malibu Horror Story from director Scott Slone.
Rather than simply present a found footage story, Malibu Horror Story adds an extra layer with the footage existing within a documentary being made. Instead of directly following the characters in the recording, Malibu Horror Story follows the film crew investigating their disappearance. The foursome – Josh (Dylan Sprayberry), Matt (Robert Bailey Jr.), Ashley (Valentina de Angelis), and Jessica (Rebecca Forsythe) – are seeking to uncover answers to questions surrounding the disappearance of four teenage boys who went missing in 2012. Believing there to be a supernatural cause, the group are hopeful to capture irrefutable evidence that the paranormal exists.
Malibu Horror Story begins on day two of the investigation. Working within the last location seen on the uncovered tape – an off route cave – they are yet to find proof of either the missing or the mystical. In an effort to kick things up a gear, they perform a summoning using a spirit box. By jumping right in, Slone cuts out straight into the action, forgoing the usual build-up of character dynamics and back story. The camera creeps into the cave. Moving slowly down the length of a darkened tunnel towards some far off lights. These lights belong to Josh and his crew. They’re mid-prep for their latest scene. The camera stalks over and around them and immediately sets a creepy atmosphere. Their ritual is suitably creepy and its elements wouldn’t look out of place in a Conjuring film.
After their filming has finished, it’s time for Director Josh and editor Jessica to review the latest rough cut. It is at this point that Malibu Horror Story properly begins. The cave setting fades into the background and Josh’s documentary, ‘A Malibu Horror Story’, begins. It sets up the disappearance, piecing together elements of the footage found to paint a portrait of those that went missing. The documentary section itself is well constructed, looking and playing as any true crime film you’d find on Netflix. On screen for a good two-thirds of the runtime, this film within the film has all the information needed to fill in the viewers. By the time it comes to a halt, the audience are fully informed on the nature and extent of the peril Josh and his crew are facing.
As the focus shifts, the action kicks into gear and the frights really begin. Slone follows the fast and frenetic nature of films like As Above, So Below and creates a really disorientating viewing experience. There’s some great use of thermal cameras that lead to a couple of entertaining scares. Although the documentary provides the details of the situation that the film crew have gotten themselves into, it’s hard for the viewer to connect to them. With so much time spent in the documentary setting there’s no opportunity to learn anything about those behind the camera. When watching them shift from investigator to victims, there’s too much distance to have any demise’s land with a great deal of impact.
A fine example of a more modern interpretation of the found-footage format Malibu Horror Story. It’s by no means perfect. The disconnect to who could be viewed as the primary characters is too vast, and the title itself sells the film short. Malibu Horror Story sounds like some spring break set horror comedy, the complete opposite of what the film actually is. It’s the type of title that will put off some of its target audience. Hopefully word of mouth will rescue it from obscurity as it’s a great concept that has been worked together well.
Malibu Horror Story
Summary
A poor title obscures the sparks of greatness hidden within Malibu Horror Story. A modern rearrangement of found footage, Malibu Horror Story is an entertaining medley of stylised true crime show and found footage horror.
Malibu Horror Project was reviewed at Grimmfest 2022.
