Noroi: The Curse (2005)

Noroi: The Curse

• Hell yeah. Found footage really is the greatest horror subgenre. I’ve certainly seen some crappy found footage films, but this one rises close to the top. It’s one of the most convincing ones I’ve ever seen, and not a single time did I ever think to myself, “I’m not buying this, it’s clearly fake.” There’s only two specific moments where you can tell it’s a work of fiction (because of the visuals), but other than that, I was buying this as a real documentary. Well done, Kobayashi! The quality is VERY mid-2000s, so that speaks for itself. But, even though it feels poorly edited and just thrown together, that’s exactly why it works the way it is done. You’re immediately thrown in, and through the use of interviews, physical exploration, and “news footage”, you go for a crazy ride. The biggest highlight of the film for me is the writing and story. This isn’t a found footage film that relies on jumpscares, scary visuals, or anything in a graphic nature (at least until the end). All of the tension and mystery is built through the dialogue and puzzle piece story format. It’s probably one of the best written horror films I’ve seen in quite some time. Also, the runtime is just under two hours, which is roughly half an hour longer than your average found footage film. It did not feel long at all, and once it ended, I could’ve easily sat through it again. It utilizes every single second of screen time. The acting also completely sold me on this being “factual” and “true”. Each cast member is insanely natural and delivers every line authentically. Yes, there’s a scene or two (usually when someone is spazzing out) where it might be a little corny, and easy to laugh at. But that doesn’t matter. Every actor and character delivers everything they needed to, and by the end, I was convinced they were real people. Gosh, I can’t get past how good this film is. I won’t say anymore, because I don’t want to give away any plot points. Just know that this is one of the better found footage films out there (EASILY), and could easily be the blueprint for modern day horror that uses found footage and/or shaky cam. I would recommend this to all horror/thriller fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go check it out now!