Set before, during, and after ‘the Larkin incident’, Peter Hall and Paul Ganderman’s Man Finds Tape is one of the most dastardly films playing at this year’s TriBeCa. Told through the medium of a faux-documentary, Man Finds Tape chronicles two siblings as their lives get thrown into turmoil after the discovery of a mysterious tape.
The beauty of Man Finds Tape stems from its core mystery, and therefore, to say too much about it would ruin the surprise. What can be shared though is that it is almost impossible to predict the directions into which Man Finds Tape ventures following its opening moments. The documentary format announces the Larkin incident early doors, but is careful to not pepper too many details into this. Much like the true crime documentaries found haunting Netflix, the allusion to the event is enough to hook the audience in, with some cleverly teased footage immediately igniting the gray matter as it tries to unpick exactly what type of story they are about to watch.
This early intrigue is matched on screen by an overwhelming vibe of dread. Although nothing too intense occurs until later in Man Finds Tape, there is a constant air of unease brought in by the opening section of the story. As the story flashes back to its beginning, the audience learns that a young man called Lucas (William Magnuson) went viral after discovering a strange tape in his parent’s old house. Lucas becomes fixated on the events shown on the tape and desperately begins searching for answers. As Lucas starts to lose his grasp on reality, his sister, Lynn (Kelsey Pribilski), arrives home to help, but finds herself drawn into the puzzle too. The pair soon realise that the mystery is directly tied to their town; can they unpick the riddle before it is too late?
What is on the tape that Lucas uncovers, is suitably creepy, sinister, and uncomfortable to see. Coupled with some snippets of audio from the opening of the documentary, watching this footage unfold causes goosebumps and chills, and positions the viewer alongside both Lucas and Lynn in their quest for answers. As the two investigate, more tapes are unearthed and the effect that these have upon several members of townsfolk is even more disturbing. Man Finds Tape is not afraid to get weird, and the final result is stranger than any episode of The X-Files, playing like a truly demented Creepypasta story, one guaranteed to keep you up at night.
In addition to the compelling mystique, Man Finds Tape unfolds in a visually interesting way. Due to the documentary format, Hall and Gandersman piece the story together from a collection of sources. The film features a mix of archival footage from video cameras, old television show recordings, Zoom calls, security cameras, text messages, audio files, and a mix of analogue and digital video recordings. Not only does this mixed media build the realism of the documentary, but it also allows for some visual texture. Were this to have been shot as either a standard found footage or documentary, the impact would have been dulled somewhat. There is something about the commitment to making Man Finds Tape as authentic a faux-documentary as possible that really works to sell the story, particularly concerning the more bizarre elements.
An intriguing slice of independent cinema, Man Finds Tape straddles the line between horror, and science-fiction, whilst telling a human story of the dangers of delving into the past. Through Lucas the film explores the all-consuming nature of obsession, and the detrimental effects it can have on both the body and relationships with those around you. Man Finds Tape also deals with issues surrounding repressed memories, most specifically how confronting they can be when they resurface, as well as some interesting arguments about religion, those in positions of power, and the community of small town America. With so many layers to peel back, Man Finds Tape is a film whose full mysteries and ideals cannot be unlocked after simply one viewing and is sure to induce its own wave of fixated followers, desperate to unlock the truth hiding within.
Man Finds Tape
Summary
Playing like part Creepypasta, part found-footage nightmare fuel, part lost episode of The X-Files, Man Finds Tape is a film sure to become a cult classic.
Man Finds Tape was reviewed at TriBeCa 2025.
