Afflicted (2013)
It’s funny, because this will be the
second “found footage” type film that I have reviewed, even though I am adamant
that I dislike them. Maybe I’m just lying to myself? Anyway, “Afflicted” is a
Canadian horror film shot in several “blog entry” type segments, and eventually
in first-person and third-person found footage style. My best friend and I
wound up renting it from Red Box out of boredom, and because the description
made it sound pretty sweet (however, it left out the found footage bit, and I
initially did not want to give it a chance.) In a surprise twist, I can
honestly say “Afflicted” is one of the better horror films I’ve seen, and I’m
currently in the process of recommending it to all my friends!
“Afflicted”’s plot centers around
Derek and Clif, two best friends who have decided to travel the world in a
year-long trip and video blog about it along the way. Derek has recently been
diagnosed with AVM, a brain malformation that has aroused great concerns with
his friends and family, and he feels if he does not go on the trip now, he will
never have the opportunity. With doctors’ blessings, the two set out; however,
after Derek is attacked by a one-night stand in Paris, things start to take a scary
turn. Derek begins exhibiting “superhero” powers, but also seem freaky medical
side effects (at one point, his contacts somehow fuse to his eyes, and he is
forced to pull them off in a very gut-wrenching, painful scene.) *SPOILER* We
learn Derek’s “disease” is vampirism, and as he progresses further and further,
things take a deadly turn.
I cannot say it any other way: I loved this film. The actors were amazing, and I loved the characters. All of the special effects were excellent, and though the film had its gory/bloody bits, nothing was ever too over-exaggerated or cliché. “Afflicted” re-sparked my love for vampires; the vampire here is very horrifying, very monster-like, but still retains Derek’s humanity in a way that is fascinating, saddening, and intriguing all at once. The film still looks very professional, despite its “found footage” appearance, and I am uncertain why it is not more popular. If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly recommend you go out and rent it, or try to find a LEGAL version online—it’s worth the cash, trust me.
I cannot say it any other way: I loved this film. The actors were amazing, and I loved the characters. All of the special effects were excellent, and though the film had its gory/bloody bits, nothing was ever too over-exaggerated or cliché. “Afflicted” re-sparked my love for vampires; the vampire here is very horrifying, very monster-like, but still retains Derek’s humanity in a way that is fascinating, saddening, and intriguing all at once. The film still looks very professional, despite its “found footage” appearance, and I am uncertain why it is not more popular. If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly recommend you go out and rent it, or try to find a LEGAL version online—it’s worth the cash, trust me.
“Afflicted” is a diamond in the
rough, and really brings back the darker sides to vampirism that has been
forgotten in recent years (here’s looking at you, Stephanie Meyer.) The ending
is honestly brilliant, make sure you watch until the end of the credits or you’ll
miss it! I have no possibly suggestions to improve this film, except that it
should have been better promoted, because it is brilliant. It’s obvious a lot of
hard work went into “Afflicted,” and it definitely pays off. Hopefully we will
be seeing more from the “Afflicted” creators—who, coincidentally, are the stars
of the film.
If you want a film with good jump
scares, a magnificent plot, fantastic acting, great vampires, and lots of
suspense with just enough blood and guts, “Afflicted” is definitely for you. I
myself am in the process of securing a hardcopy, because I would love to be
able to watch this again later. “Afflicted” is a great example of how modern day
horror can still spin new twists on classic scares, and if you’re a horror buff
like me or just an occasional scary movie fan, this film is perfect for you. However,
if you are sensitive to gore (especially concerning eyeballs or throats,) I
would be wary of watching, but I still believe you would enjoy this. “Afflicted”
honestly surprised me, and I’m really glad I found it!
If you have seen this,
I would love to hear your opinions in the comment section! If you have any
requests for other film reviews, please comment below.
Pros: Fabulous acting, great plot, good “revamp”
of classic horror
Cons: Doesn’t get the recognition it
deserves
Rating of 5 Stars: 5
Rating of 5 Stars: 5
