The found footage film experiment is a success when it is enacted with precision and the proper intensity and editing necessary to make the viewer suspend disbelief. I can remember when I saw the Blair Witch Project at the theater for the first time. I was genuinely terrified. Blair was a one-time wonder that really hit the mark perfectly, hammering our deepest, darkest fears of the unknown until we could barely breathe. In a way, this was akin to Alien, with the fear of the unknown and the uncertain magnified to the highest degree. Unfortunately, many drones and copiers followed, pretty much destroying the magic of the found footage genre. Cloverfield, REC and VHS pushed the genre to new limits, with great success, but other than that there wasn't much exciting in the way of found footage (though I must admit "The Last exorcism" was a guilty pleasure). One of the newest attempts, "The Afflicted" shows us all that the "found footage" genre isn't dead. While creating a heartfelt beginning backdrop, this film slowly feeds into the terror of contagion, disease and degradation in a fresh and newly charged way unique from its predecessors. I'm not saying it's a deal changer by any means, but it is a valiant attempt, and for that reason it deserves our respect and attention. So enjoy "The Afflicted" with all the amorous and diabolical intention it so readily justifies.
169 Reviews
A Total surprise
Wrapper3027 August 2019
We picked this movie to watch last night expecting to laugh at the usual hand held cam nonsense but wow what a surprise.
Excellent acting and a truly ingenious script and premise for a movie, it was very good.
You guy in to the characters from the start with one being afflicted by a life threatening illness and the other going with his friend around the world to ensure he is safe. Well their trip to Paris blows that out of the window as Derek goes off with the French girl Audrey.
They let him have the hotel room to his self and try to prank him the next morning by rushing in to the room. They find a dazed, battered, bruised and bloodied Derek who has no recollection of the previous night.
Derek and Cliff move on to Italy and that's when it starts going crazy.
Funny, scary, unsettling and ultimately compelling it was a cool movie.
Solid concept and quite entertaining, but still flawed
PStyles11 July 2014
When I first spotted this movie I figured it would be right up my alley. Although i'm picky about horror movies I do enjoy them, and unlike many it seems, I find the "found footage" style of movie-making intriguing. Overall, Afflicted delivers an entertaining experience throughout, but in my opinion has a few specific fall backs.
First of all, while the acting was mostly good throughout, there were certain scenes where I felt things were a bit cheesy. That isn't my favorite descriptive word, but it happened to be the first that came to mind when thinking about it so I think it fits. Considering the filming style and what i'm assuming was a low budget, they do deserve credit for making a believable pseudo-documentary about their journey, but not everything had me swayed into thinking "yeah, this definitely feels unscripted and completely natural". Considering that this is the basic premise of "found footage" style films, to make the viewer feel like they are watching a real person instead of an actor, "Afflicted" falls short in a few areas which detract from the overall viewing experience in my humble opinion.
My second issue centers around the progression of the film. "Afflicted" starts off really strong, pacing the story along perfectly as you watch the characters depart on their journey and document the various places they visit. Things continue well until one of the main characters comes down with the "affliction" aforementioned in the movie title. From there, things tend to be less harmonious. Soon the story quickens, and you are left with parts that don't always seem to connect well. Certain scenes could have been omitted completely in my opinion.
Despite a few missteps, I have to say I quite enjoyed this movie. It's not perfect, but hey, few horror films usually are these days. I give the creators a ton of kudos for making a found footage film that actually doesn't suck, as there have unfortunately been many over the years(and a few good ones as well I might add). I would recommend this film to fans of the horror/mystery genre, or for anyone wanting to watch an entertaining, albeit different, type of movie.
It kept me interested from start to finish, and I give it a solid 6/10.
First of all, while the acting was mostly good throughout, there were certain scenes where I felt things were a bit cheesy. That isn't my favorite descriptive word, but it happened to be the first that came to mind when thinking about it so I think it fits. Considering the filming style and what i'm assuming was a low budget, they do deserve credit for making a believable pseudo-documentary about their journey, but not everything had me swayed into thinking "yeah, this definitely feels unscripted and completely natural". Considering that this is the basic premise of "found footage" style films, to make the viewer feel like they are watching a real person instead of an actor, "Afflicted" falls short in a few areas which detract from the overall viewing experience in my humble opinion.
My second issue centers around the progression of the film. "Afflicted" starts off really strong, pacing the story along perfectly as you watch the characters depart on their journey and document the various places they visit. Things continue well until one of the main characters comes down with the "affliction" aforementioned in the movie title. From there, things tend to be less harmonious. Soon the story quickens, and you are left with parts that don't always seem to connect well. Certain scenes could have been omitted completely in my opinion.
Despite a few missteps, I have to say I quite enjoyed this movie. It's not perfect, but hey, few horror films usually are these days. I give the creators a ton of kudos for making a found footage film that actually doesn't suck, as there have unfortunately been many over the years(and a few good ones as well I might add). I would recommend this film to fans of the horror/mystery genre, or for anyone wanting to watch an entertaining, albeit different, type of movie.
It kept me interested from start to finish, and I give it a solid 6/10.
A nice little indie horror gem
centinel82210 April 2014
I enjoy a good flick, and am particularly pleased when it is a low-budget passion project. The Afflicted meets those marks. While the film has some elements that have been done before, such as bad things happening while traveling abroad and the "found footage" angle, Lee and Prowse did a good job adding new elements and keeping it somewhat fresh. Compared to many low (and high) budget horror films, the actors did a fine job and the special effects/stunts were actually believable. I also enjoyed the mystery element to the story that keeps you wondering throughout, but I think I would've preferred a little more explanation as to what happened at the beginning of the film.
All-in-all, a good, simple story that kept me engaged throughout. I look forward to seeing more from these guys.
All-in-all, a good, simple story that kept me engaged throughout. I look forward to seeing more from these guys.
The food wasn't that bad....
FlashCallahan7 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Derek and Clif set out on a trip of lifetime. Their plan is to see the world, and live life to the fullest. But the trip soon takes a dark and bloody turn.
Just days in, Derek shows signs of a mysterious illness which gradually takes over his entire body. Now, miles from home, they must uncover the source before it consumes him completely.
Footage meant to be memories may now becomes evidence......
Yes, it's another found footage movie, and now, the films are so common place in the movie world, that they must be a genre, and not put into a separate genre. Here we have one of the above average FF movies, but, you will feel like you've seen it all before.
The first thing you will think of at the beginning of the second act is 'Chronicle', a great movie in itself, but the makers have really borrowed from this movie, and the second act consists of Derek finding more and more different powers and using them to differing effect.
The rest of the movie is very interesting though. The first act and the farewell party reminds one of Cloverfield, everyone is happy and content before the inevitable high concept in the plot happen, and the final act turns the movie into more of a detective movie, with Derek trying to find the person who did this to him.
But all in all, its a very well made piece of work, some of the stunts are absolute genius, and the two leads are hugely likable.
I'd love to see more work from the makers of this, in front of and behind of the camera, but I'd love a more original idea next time.
Just days in, Derek shows signs of a mysterious illness which gradually takes over his entire body. Now, miles from home, they must uncover the source before it consumes him completely.
Footage meant to be memories may now becomes evidence......
Yes, it's another found footage movie, and now, the films are so common place in the movie world, that they must be a genre, and not put into a separate genre. Here we have one of the above average FF movies, but, you will feel like you've seen it all before.
The first thing you will think of at the beginning of the second act is 'Chronicle', a great movie in itself, but the makers have really borrowed from this movie, and the second act consists of Derek finding more and more different powers and using them to differing effect.
The rest of the movie is very interesting though. The first act and the farewell party reminds one of Cloverfield, everyone is happy and content before the inevitable high concept in the plot happen, and the final act turns the movie into more of a detective movie, with Derek trying to find the person who did this to him.
But all in all, its a very well made piece of work, some of the stunts are absolute genius, and the two leads are hugely likable.
I'd love to see more work from the makers of this, in front of and behind of the camera, but I'd love a more original idea next time.
It's exciting and creepy at the same time!
TheMovieVlog3 April 2014
Almost 15 years since "The Blair Witch Project" pretended to document an ill-fated journey into the woods, its impact is felt more deeply than ever. The found footage horror genre technically pre-dated the digital filmmaking boom by nearly two decades (with 1980's "Cannibal Holocaust") but the age of user-generated footage, when everyone with a smartphone has one trigger finger ready to hit record, has made the device too ubiquitous for its own good.
The two actors performances are credible enough to legitimize the terror, only stumbling when they glare directly into the camera and profess their fears (a "Blair Witch" cliché that has run its course, the confessional moment is the worst example of overstatement). Derek's ensuing plight across the continent, in which he scales buildings and nimbly evades various countries' police forces, suggests "Cloverfield" by way of "American Werewolf in London," but lacks the same wry, self-deprecating humor of the John Landis classic. Instead, directors Proswe and Lee established a macabre scenario and then uses it as an excuse to run wild with the production values, piling up a series of impressive chase scenes and showdowns involving characters with the powers to scale buildings and hurl bodies across the room. It's a superficial delight to watch "Afflicted" gradually ramp up its effects work, and while the scares don't sink too deep, the movie offers surefire confirmation of found footage horror's latest stage.
The two actors performances are credible enough to legitimize the terror, only stumbling when they glare directly into the camera and profess their fears (a "Blair Witch" cliché that has run its course, the confessional moment is the worst example of overstatement). Derek's ensuing plight across the continent, in which he scales buildings and nimbly evades various countries' police forces, suggests "Cloverfield" by way of "American Werewolf in London," but lacks the same wry, self-deprecating humor of the John Landis classic. Instead, directors Proswe and Lee established a macabre scenario and then uses it as an excuse to run wild with the production values, piling up a series of impressive chase scenes and showdowns involving characters with the powers to scale buildings and hurl bodies across the room. It's a superficial delight to watch "Afflicted" gradually ramp up its effects work, and while the scares don't sink too deep, the movie offers surefire confirmation of found footage horror's latest stage.
Boredom is all you'll be 'Afflicted' with
theicon8712 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The first things that came to my mind when I was watching 'Afflicted' was how it's yet another found footage film. I understand these types of movies are hot in the filmmaker community, if not just for the financial benefit of them not costing much to make, but this trend needs to die off already. Or at least tone it down. Found footage features are getting to the point of zombie flicks now, with how many terrible genre installments there are yearly. I think that as of now, unless it's done by a well known director who I support, I'm staying away from this sub- genre. It offers nothing new, and has been used to death.
We meet Derek (Derek Lee) and Clif (Clif Prowse), and we find out that Derek has AVM. Basically he has a tangle of blood vessels in his brain, and his time in this life may be limited. If there's an accident, and he hurts his head, that's all she wrote. So, rather than bask in his own self-pity and misery, Derek decides that he and his best friend since childhood, Clif, should tour the world. Of course, they have to film the entire experience for a live travel blog that they title "Ends of the Earth". Clif, wants to spend the time with his buddy before it's too late, he may not get another opportunity like this again in Derek's lifetime. I appreciate the character's chemistry and history, and you can tell that they're bond is real. Both seeing their interactions on screen, and the photos of them as children, it's easy to see that the friendship is legitimate.
After meeting up with some friends who are in a band, Derek takes a girl back to he and Clif's hotel room. When Clif arrives later, he finds an unconscious Derek who's also wounded on his face, and has a nasty gash on his left bicep. After refusing to see a doctor and get his head and wounds checked out, Derek starts acting strange, and he throws up a lot in a restaurant, causing a scene. And his face and hands start burning, turning red and covered in welts. After constant refusal to see a doctor, his 'affliction' worsens, and the film goes in a different direction than I expected.
Aside from feeling and looking ill, Derek realizes that he has the ability to now punch through rock walls, and break rocks in half. He can also run over 160 miles per hour on foot, and he can leap unnaturally high. Clif, is not okay with all of this, but doesn't want to force his friend to stay in a hospital. If you ask me, Clif should have manned up and made Derek see a doctor, instead of catering to his feelings. After a confrontation in the street with random guys, Clif posts the video online. He then reads the comments left by viewers, and a small detail is brought to his attention: Derek licks blood off of his hand after a confrontation.
I think anyone watching can figure out where this is going once that little incident happens. And being honest and blunt, the characters are idiots. I understand not wanting to make your trip miserable, but at what point do you break down, put your selfish reasons aside, and get examined by a doctor. Not doing so only results in a worse aftermath, and both of them get what they deserve for beings so soft and stubborn. Rather than insist on Derek seeing help, Clif aids him in killing a pig for the blood. Then Clif whines and complains that he's traumatized from the animals savage death.
Like I said, idiocy. It's really hard to like characters in a movie when they're doing ridiculously dumb things.
And things turn messy real quick because neither Derek nor Clif know how to clean up after themselves, and leave a trail of chaos behind them. There's one part that is surprising and got a reaction out of me, and that's when we see Derek in his semi-animalistic state from starvation. As it turns out, human blood is required to survive, animal blood won't do the trick. Derek remains unconscious for 11 hours. After complications involving Clif offering up his blood, Derek is solo the duration of the film, which leads up to the best scene in the movie; Derek's suicide attempt.
When Derek goes in the sun, we see some pretty well-rounded makeup effects for burns. And once he's on the run from the police, he ends up broke, trying to survive and looking for answers. From there on it's just silly, and I lost any and all connection with this film. I noticed that this motion picture was much better carried on the shoulders of two leads than one. Derek's journey isn't intriguing enough without the input of Clif. It's just a bunch of scrambling around to find a cohesive plot.
The first act was a lot better than the second and third.
The worst scene for me, involves Derek being totally animalistic and savage, yet he's still holding the camcorder, recording all of the violence. It makes no sense, and scenes like this are why the found footage sub-genre is on it's last leg. We're at the point now where we'll need a miracle in found footage for this style of movie making to become everything but the laughing stock of horror. But regardless, stick around through the credits for a last minute surprise.
We meet Derek (Derek Lee) and Clif (Clif Prowse), and we find out that Derek has AVM. Basically he has a tangle of blood vessels in his brain, and his time in this life may be limited. If there's an accident, and he hurts his head, that's all she wrote. So, rather than bask in his own self-pity and misery, Derek decides that he and his best friend since childhood, Clif, should tour the world. Of course, they have to film the entire experience for a live travel blog that they title "Ends of the Earth". Clif, wants to spend the time with his buddy before it's too late, he may not get another opportunity like this again in Derek's lifetime. I appreciate the character's chemistry and history, and you can tell that they're bond is real. Both seeing their interactions on screen, and the photos of them as children, it's easy to see that the friendship is legitimate.
After meeting up with some friends who are in a band, Derek takes a girl back to he and Clif's hotel room. When Clif arrives later, he finds an unconscious Derek who's also wounded on his face, and has a nasty gash on his left bicep. After refusing to see a doctor and get his head and wounds checked out, Derek starts acting strange, and he throws up a lot in a restaurant, causing a scene. And his face and hands start burning, turning red and covered in welts. After constant refusal to see a doctor, his 'affliction' worsens, and the film goes in a different direction than I expected.
Aside from feeling and looking ill, Derek realizes that he has the ability to now punch through rock walls, and break rocks in half. He can also run over 160 miles per hour on foot, and he can leap unnaturally high. Clif, is not okay with all of this, but doesn't want to force his friend to stay in a hospital. If you ask me, Clif should have manned up and made Derek see a doctor, instead of catering to his feelings. After a confrontation in the street with random guys, Clif posts the video online. He then reads the comments left by viewers, and a small detail is brought to his attention: Derek licks blood off of his hand after a confrontation.
I think anyone watching can figure out where this is going once that little incident happens. And being honest and blunt, the characters are idiots. I understand not wanting to make your trip miserable, but at what point do you break down, put your selfish reasons aside, and get examined by a doctor. Not doing so only results in a worse aftermath, and both of them get what they deserve for beings so soft and stubborn. Rather than insist on Derek seeing help, Clif aids him in killing a pig for the blood. Then Clif whines and complains that he's traumatized from the animals savage death.
Like I said, idiocy. It's really hard to like characters in a movie when they're doing ridiculously dumb things.
And things turn messy real quick because neither Derek nor Clif know how to clean up after themselves, and leave a trail of chaos behind them. There's one part that is surprising and got a reaction out of me, and that's when we see Derek in his semi-animalistic state from starvation. As it turns out, human blood is required to survive, animal blood won't do the trick. Derek remains unconscious for 11 hours. After complications involving Clif offering up his blood, Derek is solo the duration of the film, which leads up to the best scene in the movie; Derek's suicide attempt.
When Derek goes in the sun, we see some pretty well-rounded makeup effects for burns. And once he's on the run from the police, he ends up broke, trying to survive and looking for answers. From there on it's just silly, and I lost any and all connection with this film. I noticed that this motion picture was much better carried on the shoulders of two leads than one. Derek's journey isn't intriguing enough without the input of Clif. It's just a bunch of scrambling around to find a cohesive plot.
The first act was a lot better than the second and third.
The worst scene for me, involves Derek being totally animalistic and savage, yet he's still holding the camcorder, recording all of the violence. It makes no sense, and scenes like this are why the found footage sub-genre is on it's last leg. We're at the point now where we'll need a miracle in found footage for this style of movie making to become everything but the laughing stock of horror. But regardless, stick around through the credits for a last minute surprise.
Finally, a film that is what P.O.V Horror is supposed to be
Sovereign_x200015 April 2014
This movie is a good example of what storytelling, believable narrative,character interplay and balanced action is ALL about. I was unacquainted with the sub-genre of this film and went into it expecting to let it unfold as a cautionary tale, in a similar manner as the movie Contracted. It is really rare,in my opinion, to actually stay interested as a film develops its characters and back-story. The solid acting, quirky dialog,pace and storyline are interesting enough that the viewer is content to watch as Derek and Clif prepare to undertake filming the vacation of a lifetime. Afflicted manages to avoid sticky,boring clichés and deliver some real thrills as the story and palpable desperation begins to unfold. Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say that this movie is EASILY one of my favorites in a much over-used genre, and the sympathetic, believable protagonists in the film will really keep you caring what happens to them next. Stick around for the credits and enjoy this refreshing, intense and superbly done film. Cheers!
Great found footage movie.
suws113 April 2014
Afflicted is a found footage genre movie (if there is such a thing). Personally I am always suspicious with these types of movie. The paranormal activities, and blair witches are just about some cheap thrills and no plot, although they can be mildly entertaining. Afflicted is nothing like that. You aren't going to watch some found footage movie, with jump scares and no plot. This one actually has a story and an ending. (Yes, it doesn't just end with the camera falling on the floor). The plot appears to be quite simple. Two best friends go touring through Europe and document the entire journey on camera to post it on their website. One of them, stars to become afflicted with some sort of illness, and that's all I can reveal without spoiling. Although, storywise, it doesn't bring anything new and fresh, it grabs the viewer, and keeps you interested until the very end, with some competent acting. The special effects are very well done, and that's not considering it's a low budget movie, the effects are real good. All things considered, Afflicted is a surprisingly good movie, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants 90 minutes of entertaining and competent fim making.
Derek? Derek? Derek are you OK? Are you OK Derek?
iSkyWalKing15 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Cliff: Derek? Derek? Derek is that you? Derek? Derek? Derek? Derek are you OK? Hey Derek? Hey Derek is that you Derek? Derek?
Derek: I'm OK.
Cliff: But Derek? ... Derek? Derek are you OK though Derek? Derek where are you going Derek? Derek? Derek where did you go Derek? DEREK? DEREK ARE YOU OK DEREK?
Derek: I said I'm OK.
Cliff: Derek..come on Derek. Derek Derek because Derek so and so and Derek.
Derek: Gnarly dude, totally.
Cliff: OK Derek my friend the Derek is Derek with you. DEREKKKKKK??!! What happened Derek? You are a superman Derek. I'm scared of whats happening Derek so lets turn all the lights off Derek and go to sleep like everything is normal Derek. Derek Derek and then we can Derek.
Derek: I want blood.
Cliff: Derek you want mine Derek?
Derek: OK.
Derek: I'm OK.
Cliff: But Derek? ... Derek? Derek are you OK though Derek? Derek where are you going Derek? Derek? Derek where did you go Derek? DEREK? DEREK ARE YOU OK DEREK?
Derek: I said I'm OK.
Cliff: Derek..come on Derek. Derek Derek because Derek so and so and Derek.
Derek: Gnarly dude, totally.
Cliff: OK Derek my friend the Derek is Derek with you. DEREKKKKKK??!! What happened Derek? You are a superman Derek. I'm scared of whats happening Derek so lets turn all the lights off Derek and go to sleep like everything is normal Derek. Derek Derek and then we can Derek.
Derek: I want blood.
Cliff: Derek you want mine Derek?
Derek: OK.
Dark Horse of the 'Cam' Genre
masonismail8 April 2014
I have seen an obscene amount of Horror films and a crazy amount that are Cam. I expected this film to be similar to Paranormal Activity - The Marked One which i found to be okay, nothing too special... But immediately from the start realised it was to take a much different tone, which not only was new and fresh for the Cam Horror genre but also to films in general. The film feels fun, fresh and upbeat from the start with a good use of SFX showing a real 'College Movie' vibe then quickly becomes engrossing and dark with plot twists and turns that offer something new to this over produced genre.
Would Recommend
Would Recommend
Awesome!!! Blair Witch bows to a nowadays Project
davis_lynzee17 April 2018
My title summed it up..tho way better than Blair Witch...better tech (love how all the tech is explained btw) more money involved generally aka way more entertaining...(special effects).still the feel of the video vlog...I loved it
another good film ruined by bad camera work
FilmMan4713 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
its about time these filmmakers should decide whether they like it or not its about who they are making a film for some dumb critics or the audience there are so many films out there i have seen but the ones that features shaky camera movement i liked them too the Bourne trilogy is famous for it since then everyone tried to ape it and failed even new James bond films are awful i consider shaky camera technique to be an insult of cinema quite a good idea to kill any amazing film its like giving a coconut to a monkey.
the plot:2 friends take a trip to see the world soon something starts to happen to one of them he starts to act weird and soon show sings of affliction together they must find the source before things go worse.
the story is like from early 2000s,the direction,cast,script dialogs almost everything is done by kids i guess its a mess its not scary its was like a spoof on horror films i was waiting for the things to go better but no the lead actor was on drugs or something trying to act like undertaker from Wwe what were these people thinking they wanted to make a documentary but why label this as a film is beyond me.
overall if you want to see a good film try something else maybe underworld series of Kate Bekinsale Afflicted 2013 is a waste of time and cash avoid it for your own good my rating is 2/10:skipp it
the plot:2 friends take a trip to see the world soon something starts to happen to one of them he starts to act weird and soon show sings of affliction together they must find the source before things go worse.
the story is like from early 2000s,the direction,cast,script dialogs almost everything is done by kids i guess its a mess its not scary its was like a spoof on horror films i was waiting for the things to go better but no the lead actor was on drugs or something trying to act like undertaker from Wwe what were these people thinking they wanted to make a documentary but why label this as a film is beyond me.
overall if you want to see a good film try something else maybe underworld series of Kate Bekinsale Afflicted 2013 is a waste of time and cash avoid it for your own good my rating is 2/10:skipp it
Excellent POV Horror
educatingpork8 March 2015
Wasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this movie. I'm normally against POV shot with a handicap type movies as they jump around too much and give me a headache.
This one didn't, it was well shot, great effects and a reasonable story to boot.
The make you jump moments are good enough to keep you watching though not too gory either
If you like zombie/vampire/cannibal movies then give this a try and you won't be disappointed by this Canadian movie.
Overall its worth a look.
This one didn't, it was well shot, great effects and a reasonable story to boot.
The make you jump moments are good enough to keep you watching though not too gory either
If you like zombie/vampire/cannibal movies then give this a try and you won't be disappointed by this Canadian movie.
Overall its worth a look.
"Afflicted", A Different Kinda Vampire Movie
knightox6 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Well I'll say this for "Afflicted", it definitely was one movie that turned out totally different than I expected. I had googled "top scary movies on Amazon Prime" and in alphabetical order this was the first ones to show up. Obviously my expectations weren't that high, figuring it to be just another zombie film 🎞 from the movie poster. Anyway the "found footage" story starts off with two best friends (Clif and Derek) at a "going away" party and about to embark on a year-long trip to tour around the world 🌍. Along the way they stop off in Paris where drunken Derek hooks with a French girl named Audrey. Later Clif tries to "c*ck block" Derek by surprising them and going into their room. However he is shocked to find Derek alone, bloodied and near unconsciousness. It turns out Audrey was a vampire (Not a Zombie!) and has worked poor Derek over. Things progressively get better and worse for Derek. For better, he gains super human strength and can lift cars 🚗 and break huge rocks. He also can jump far distances and can run almost as fast as a cheetah. For worse, sunlight begins to blind him and fry his skin. Worst of all he begins to have a lust for human blood and starts turning into a vampiric monster/creature without the blood to sedate him. After failing to obtain blood from various sources, including a blood bank robbery, Clif finally cuts his wrist to draw blood to try and satisfy Derek's need. Unfortunately by this point it's too late and Derek savagely attacks, kills and drains Clif of his blood. Next we see Derek looking into the camera 🎥 about to commit suicide with a double barrel shotgun (he conveniently got it somewhere in France??). He apologizes for killing Derek then blows his brains out! Then he pitches forward with a huge bloody hole 🕳 in the back of his head. All of a sudden his head rises up with him screaming and a demonic 👹look on his face! Obviously you can't kill a vampire with a shotgun. Derek vows to hunt down Audrey who made him the undead monster he is. After traveling back to Paris, Derek is able to "somehow" able to recover a cellphone 📱 Audrey had left there. While there "somehow" his father manages to sneak up on him in the lobby (never mind Derek's vampiric heightened senses of hearing and smell) with the police 🚔. (They found out about the failed blood bank robbery.)
Derek manages to escape but not before one French Barney Fife manages to fall off a building. At a secluded hideout Derek uses Audrey's cell phone to send out text messages to all of her contacts telling them to meet her. He hopes at least one of them will show up and lead him to her. Finally a bald guy does come by. This contact shouts Audrey's name and then after getting frustrated with no answer walks back home. Derek follows him to his apartment where the bald guy tries to ambush him. The bald guy ends up getting the Hell beat out of himself instead. After tying up the bald guy and putting him on camera 📸, Derek begins to interrogate him about Audrey. No sooner has he begun then the French police bust in! They shoot Derek down and we see him fall to the floor. While the police 👮 are talking, we suddenly see Derek getting up through his chest cam and he begins SLAUGHTERING police in almost a berserker rage (lots of good bloody action). After leaving the carnage, Derek is shown washing the gore from himself back at his hideout. While doing this he suddenly gets a phone call on Audrey's phone. The next scene shows Derek waiting there when he is struck out of nowhere. Audrey has returned and she warns him to never bother her or the bald man again. Enraged, Derek engages her in a short fight before she gets the upper hand. Finally he tells her to just kill him. And then she apparently does, shoving a large piece of wood into his chest. But then as he lies there, it seems it wasn't intended as a death blow. Derek struggles and manages to pull the crude wooden shaft out. Audrey then explains there is no cure to vampirism and he must feed every 4-5 days or he will become an inhuman monster. Derek says he doesn't want to kill people but she says he can always "chose" who he kills. Lastly he asks her why she turned him. She responds, "You we're dying." which was true because it was revealed at the start of the movie that Derek might have a serious problem with a brain disease. In the last scene, a man strung up in chains is focused on by the camera in a dark basement with a pillow case over his head. Derek removes it and shows the man a crying girl on a cell phone image. He asks the man if that is his phone, inferring that man had done terrible things to the girl. Derek tells the man, "I'll give you the same chance you gave her.". You hear an anguished scream from the man blended with a beastial snarl from Derek's vampire form. The End. Not bad for a "found footage" film (really it's a "sent footage" film since Derek sends it with his explanation of what he's become to his parents).
This movie turned out to be a surprise...
paul_haakonsen11 April 2014
I am not one normally keen on the type of movies that are shot in the style of hand-held camera, where the camera is here, there and everywhere. So it was with some reluctance that I was going to watch this movie; but having seen the trailer on IMDb had me convinced that it might actually just stand out.
And now having seen "Afflicted", it most certainly did stand out from a heap of other less than mediocre movies with shoddy camera work. Sure, the hand-held camera angles and points of views were a little bit hard to swallow, but they actually worked out well enough for the movie.
The storyline was nice and had a good pace to it. The movie quickly stepped up into gear and never really slowed down. And the way that the story progressed and how Derek's condition progressed was really interesting, and it was what made the movie work out so nicely.
For a movie with such a small ensemble of actors on the cast list, there was a lot resting on the shoulders of the performers. And I will admit that they carried the movie quite nicely.
The effects and make-up in the movie was quite good and worked to show and tell exactly was the audience were to believe.
All in all, then "Afflicted" is a good movie, if you can stand the hand-held camera points of view. Directors Derek Lee and Clif Prowse (who also starred in the movie themselves) have managed to put together an interesting movie with a whole new visionary approach to what can be be described as vampirism.
And now having seen "Afflicted", it most certainly did stand out from a heap of other less than mediocre movies with shoddy camera work. Sure, the hand-held camera angles and points of views were a little bit hard to swallow, but they actually worked out well enough for the movie.
The storyline was nice and had a good pace to it. The movie quickly stepped up into gear and never really slowed down. And the way that the story progressed and how Derek's condition progressed was really interesting, and it was what made the movie work out so nicely.
For a movie with such a small ensemble of actors on the cast list, there was a lot resting on the shoulders of the performers. And I will admit that they carried the movie quite nicely.
The effects and make-up in the movie was quite good and worked to show and tell exactly was the audience were to believe.
All in all, then "Afflicted" is a good movie, if you can stand the hand-held camera points of view. Directors Derek Lee and Clif Prowse (who also starred in the movie themselves) have managed to put together an interesting movie with a whole new visionary approach to what can be be described as vampirism.
Meh
room10210 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
First-person found-footage movie about a person finding out that he becomes a vampire. In actuality, it takes (steals) elements from "Cloverfield", "The Fly", "Strange Days" and "Rec" and mixes them up into a pretty-boring mishmash. Basically, it starts like "Cloverfield", continues like "The Fly" (this section of the film steals shamelessly a huge amount of elements from "The Fly" and almost looks like the poor-man's remake of the movie) and then just becomes boring.
It's not a terrible movie - I've seen worse. But the thing is that nothing really happens in it. There is a tension build-up and you keep waiting for something big, but it never comes.
I guess people who liked "Rec" would highly enjoy this film, since it's pretty similar and I thought "Rec" was terrible.
It's not a terrible movie - I've seen worse. But the thing is that nothing really happens in it. There is a tension build-up and you keep waiting for something big, but it never comes.
I guess people who liked "Rec" would highly enjoy this film, since it's pretty similar and I thought "Rec" was terrible.
Creepy good! Found-footage horror flick that manages to breathe new life into the tired sub-genre
george.schmidt3 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
AFFLICTED (2013) *** Found-footage horror flick that manages to breathe new life into the tired sub-genre thanks to newbie tag-team filmmakers (and real-life buds) Derek Lee and Clif Prowse as the duo embark upon a globe-trotting journey
into fear, when Lee's encounter with a beautiful woman (Baya Rehaz) has disastrous results - namely transforming him into a vampire. While the cheeky team acquits itself in acknowledging the mythos of nosferatu it upends it as well in the process involving some jaw-dropping special visual effects in spite of the at-times shaky-cam viewpoint. With this calling-card feature length debut lets hope this inventive creative duo not fall into the BLAIR WITCH trap of being a one-trick pony and continue a promising budding career as filmmakers. Creepy good!
A 'found footage' film which actually has a few good bits
bowmanblue8 November 2014
Let's face it... 'found footage' films have been pretty terrible of late. Yes, historically, there have been a few good ones. However, with so many wannabe film-makers trying their hand at the (cheap) genre, there are an awful lot of 'duds' out there in the 'straight-to-dvd' market.
I'll say right away that 'Afflicted' isn't anything THAT good. It's hardly revolutionary and most of it you'll feel like you've seen a hundred times before (I'm assuming you're familiar with the 'found footage' genre). The first third is all about introducing us to the characters. Basically, a – possibly – terminally-ill man decides to go on a trip around Europe and therefore his mate has to film every last second of it to put up on the internet.
Unfortunately, our heroes who like talking into the camera fall foul of a local when one gets bitten by... you'll see. Anyway, bad – supernatural – things start to happen. Expect plenty of the usual found footage stuff – running, screaming into camera, falling over, shaky camera-work and yet more screaming.
However, there are a few 'set pieces' which actually left me wondering how they do that. Well... probably with the help of computer–generated technology, but, just because I know how they did it, doesn't mean I wasn't impressed with the results.
There's just enough here to warrant a watch if you're (a) not totally bored of found footage films and (b) generally don't mind horror films in general. But, don't be fooled, it's hardly anything special. Much of it you can sort of have on in the background while you idly surf the internet and you'd still 'get' what's going on. Just be sure to be watching when the really cool stuff comes on.
I'll say right away that 'Afflicted' isn't anything THAT good. It's hardly revolutionary and most of it you'll feel like you've seen a hundred times before (I'm assuming you're familiar with the 'found footage' genre). The first third is all about introducing us to the characters. Basically, a – possibly – terminally-ill man decides to go on a trip around Europe and therefore his mate has to film every last second of it to put up on the internet.
Unfortunately, our heroes who like talking into the camera fall foul of a local when one gets bitten by... you'll see. Anyway, bad – supernatural – things start to happen. Expect plenty of the usual found footage stuff – running, screaming into camera, falling over, shaky camera-work and yet more screaming.
However, there are a few 'set pieces' which actually left me wondering how they do that. Well... probably with the help of computer–generated technology, but, just because I know how they did it, doesn't mean I wasn't impressed with the results.
There's just enough here to warrant a watch if you're (a) not totally bored of found footage films and (b) generally don't mind horror films in general. But, don't be fooled, it's hardly anything special. Much of it you can sort of have on in the background while you idly surf the internet and you'd still 'get' what's going on. Just be sure to be watching when the really cool stuff comes on.
It's Afflicted Alright
utgard1420 July 2014
Strictly amateur hour found footage horror movie. It takes awhile to get going and even then it's unremarkable. I pretty much hated every single character in the movie. Why do they keep making these crappy horror movies where the characters are douches but we're supposed to like them because they're "relatable" or something? There's not a single memorable moment or line or anything in this mess. It's just a boring, cheap movie that borrows heavily from other found footage movies. It also has all the faults of that subgenre. Including shaky cam, characters continuing to record even though it makes no logical sense they would, etc. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless you are an avid devotee of these types of movies and believe they are always interesting.
Worth the watch, but...
fidgetofdoom6 July 2014
I was given the impression from the trailer and IMDb page that something scary was to be expected.
This wasn't scary at all... not in the watching... in the thinking of it as real... wondering what you would have done, how you would have reacted? potentially creepifying.
I enjoyed the premise... and the way the story unraveled. I'm glad I watched this at home, with others, because its better when you can talk during, I think.
The filming style and story build was fun, even though you feel like you're in a video game for parts... and I appreciated that they had an actual ending, and that they didn't shy away or glorify the violence, or gore...
This wasn't scary at all... not in the watching... in the thinking of it as real... wondering what you would have done, how you would have reacted? potentially creepifying.
I enjoyed the premise... and the way the story unraveled. I'm glad I watched this at home, with others, because its better when you can talk during, I think.
The filming style and story build was fun, even though you feel like you're in a video game for parts... and I appreciated that they had an actual ending, and that they didn't shy away or glorify the violence, or gore...
Unexpected "found-footage" gem!!!
ellabelljustine3 July 2014
I saw the trailer for this movie and I was excited because I really love the found footage sub-genre. I was also a little hesitant to watch it because I heard some mixed reviews. I rented this at a Redbox and I was not disappointed. It was way creepier than I expected and the acting was much better than expected as well. It also had a TOTALLY different plot than what I had expected, but it was awesome so it's all good. :) Definitely check this out if you love found footage films or even horror film fans unfamiliar with the sub-genre will love it. This movie is pretty gory but no nudity just a few sexual references. There is some language but nothing too brutal. I'd say appropriate for ages 14+.
Too thriller-typical, which is so annoying
lovintennis8 August 2017
This is a great idea with good acting but for Pete's sake, quit insisting that you're fine when you and everyone ELSE knows that you're NOT! I degraded this movie big-time because of how long throughout the story he keeps insisting and insisting not to see a doctor when his friend keeps pestering and pestering him to. And even moreover, any friend would just give up after awhile and walk away from him, leaving him on his own, it's that ongoing and he's being that much of a moron. It's absurd. I stopped watching about a third or halfway through because it's so stupid.
Good movie
foxtografo3 June 2014
When I saw the trailer I was really interested in this movie, it resembled to "Chronicles" which I really liked. I have to say I'm not a big fan of POV movies, shaky hand cameras and reality/documentary filming style. Very few times the director finds the excuse to have everything filmed by the characters and don't look silly or unrealistic. It also makes a movie lack of what I consider good photography (which is one of the aspects of a movie I enjoy more), but some times this type of filming can come up with interesting material. Along with other two I can remember on this style that I liked (Cloverfield and Chronicles) this had the same filming/photography quality (and there's a lot of different regarding budget) but I didn't feel the story was that interesting or well developed. Actually, when I found out what was going on, I felt disappointed, as it was not original at all and I was expecting something more imaginative or creative to keep guessing until the end of the movie. Worked well for the action though, and wasn't bad at all. The acting was good, especially Derek Lee, he played his part well regarding the sloppy writing. The action was the best in this movie, a first person video game like point of view that I don't recall in any other movie of this gender. The story is nothing new, and the script is not perfect, but it's a good excuse for showing off with some good Ideas the director wanted to put in a movie and works for a good hour and half entertainment, if there's no high expectations.
Good acting, fair story and script and really interesting action. Cool movie, for a good time in the sofa
Good acting, fair story and script and really interesting action. Cool movie, for a good time in the sofa
Not bad, but got ridiculous at the end.
teekieteekybirdie4 April 2020
The movie started out good, had some action and suspense in it and was reasonably well done and creepy, worth watching at least once, but near the end it turned into some weird vampirish Underworld ripoff, so that kind of threw the movie off.
The thing with a video documentary and found footage movies is it's supposed to be somewhat believable, like made to look like it was real, but this film was too unrealistic to be believable to any point.
But it's definitely not the worst film I've seen, it's not too bad, so it's worth watching at least once, with all that said.
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