I Have Proof (Fantastic Fest Movie Review/Interview)
One of the most effective ways to tell a horror story is to tell it in a found footage movie that makes you feel like you are watching something you shouldn’t. From movies like The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity, and so many others, these are the movies that stay with you long past the viewing experience. It has been a very long time since a movie recaptured that feeling. I Have Proof, directed by James Cullen Bressack, is one of those movies that feels cursed, and I mean that as a compliment. This movie, without a doubt, is one of the scariest and most disturbing films I’ve seen all year. From the very start of the movie, I felt uncomfortable and had a loss for words. It’s funny to say that because the character we follow says very little dialogue in the movie. A use of bloody notes, camera reveals, and more creative tricks, the story was told in a very unique way. I Have Proof makes you try to figure out what is happening and lets you, the viewer, choose what you want to believe. There’s this great back and forth element that keeps you guessing and a bit scared to find out the truth. It’s a true horror story that sucks you into the plot and takes you to places you dare not go. Easily one of my favorites from Fantastic Fest.
I got to sit down with the director and talk about how he crafted this story. With a small crew and the main actor acting as cinematographer as well, they achieved something incredible. The character of Alex brings us into his day-to-day life, trying to find out what is happening to him, and if it is real or not. Scene after scene, we are fed more information little by little. A huge puzzle of a movie as we get small pieces every so often. The amazing crew was able to make this movie feel grounded and real. They even decided to film all of this with actual dv tapes. It is truly mind-blowing to learn that the person behind the camera for the entirety of the movie is the actor himself. Truly giving this movie a sense of realism of watching actual found footage from someone, and it does feel uncomfortable. This realistic approach makes every moment feel more dreadful than the last as the movie escalates its terrors. It gave me the same feeling that Paranormal Activity gave me, which is the longer I watch it, the more scared I became. With very minimal dialogue, it made the movie feel even more haunting. The story is pretty much progressed by bloody signs, notes, and visual storytelling. A very unique way to tell a story, but trusting the audience, they can keep up.
I Have Proof is the most anxiety-inducing film I have seen this year as well. The whole concept of the storytelling is this slow burn of what is happening. Going into each scenario with the character presented with more findings and clues of what is going on. You can tell that the filming for the character is important to him. That he wants to give proof of what he is going through. Even when seeing what he is dealing with, it makes you want to not believe it. It’s a great way to have you think that the character might be wrong or even the scarier aspect of him being right. Each night sequence with door banging and notes being tucked under the door had me at the edge of my seat. The sound design was incredible, and you felt every bang in this movie. The bloody signs and notes that helped progress the story were an excellent way to creatively give us more information as the audience. When there was some dialogue, they made it count as well. Everything seemed so well planned out and executed. With a small team, a small budget, and a big concept, I thought they did an excellent job. James is no stranger to indie films and horror. It is no surprise that he was able to create something so effective.
Overall, I Have Proof is one of those movies that needs to be watched if you are a found footage fan. It is truly one of the best ones I’ve seen all year. The scares are effective and will bring you chills. It stays with you for a long time and feels like a fever dream. It was great to chat with the director about the story, creative endeavors they had, and behind-the-scenes moments. Very inspiring to see this movie knowing that they had a small cast, crew, and budget. The story is very fascinating and gets you hooked in pretty fast. It is uncomfortable, tension-building, and feels cursed. All compliments for a horror movie that wants to make you feel that way. It had its premiere at Fantastic Fest and was a huge hit. Horror fans loved it, and you should all demand that you all want to see it. It is a must-watch. Full interview with the director below.
Rating: 92/100
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