The horror genre is one of the most popular among movie lovers. However, it is also one of the most difficult to keep fresh and relevant. Filmmakers are constantly in search of new ways to induce scares and chills as their audience views their material. One of the tricks that filmmakers use to infuse some creativity into the genre with, is first person perspective. Ever since the success of The Blair Witch Project Hollywood has been finding ways to re-invent the use of the camera perspective.
Afflicted is intriguing, innovative occurrence that ingeniously institutes a new perspective on one of the ageless characters in all of fiction. It brings a hyper realistic touch to the vampire genre through the combination of the use of new age cinematography, a reality show approach to the delivery of the story, and finally a touch of much needed realism being added to the story. Afflicted has a very humanizing approach to one of the greatest characters in cinema. The way that it’s presented to its viewers allows us to live vicariously through the characters. The film stars Derek Lee (No Backing Out), Clif Prowse (1st film), and Baya Rehaz (Blue is the Warmest Color).
The film makes for an interesting new outlook on the vampire genre. It has a riveting viewpoint on one man’s transformation into the revered character, and although not quite as good as Byzantium and Let Me In, it is one of the better vampire films and does make for a good watch. The first thing that stands out about Afflicted is the director’s choice of camera perspective, the movie implements the use of the now popular documentary style story which makes for an interesting perspective, adding a higher level of realism. However, it doesn't truly do the story justice.
One of the biggest detractors from the film is that the first 15 minutes are nearly worthless, and the film could have easily been better served by eliminating these. The filmmakers tries to establish the characters and the closeness of the two main stars but it’s very boorish, and nearly loses your attention forcing you to question why you are watching this movie. But soon after this it does pick up and then it finally begins to live up to some of the promise of the trailers, beginning to take the shape of a very unique outlook on one of the most popular figures in movies.
The cast consists of mostly unknowns. Derek Lee and Clif Prowse head the films and star as themselves, both do a good job however their novice acting skills really are magnified as the film progresses. Because of the limited acting ability, the film doesn’t achieve the level of enjoyment that could have been reached had there been better, more confident, actors.
There is an unwavering, timeless infatuation that fiction lovers have with vampires, they remain some of the most popular characters in movies and fiction, and the public seems to never grow weary of them. Afflicted helps to add to the genre with a different approach, and fans of vampires will surely enjoy this more than those who aren’t. It’s surely not a classic but it does offer a good level of entertainment and is more than enough to offset a boring night.
Da’Mon Guy is a writer and artist, a graduate of Coppin State University and an avid, life-long lover of film. Da'Mon has been actively writing movie reviews since 2011. Check out more of his work at Examiner.com, where he has published over 400 reviews. Visit his Blog and follow him on Twitter.
