Butterfly Kisses

Butterfly Kisses is a thrilling 2018 horror film set in an intriguing "film within a film" structure that adds a further layer to its narrative intrigue. Directed by Erik Kristopher Myers, the film begs the question: just how far would someone go to achieve fame and validation through their creative pursuits. This question, combined with the deepening mystery and eerie ambiance of the film, makes for an enthralling viewing experience.

The film stars a talented cast headlined by Rachel Armiger, Reed DeLisle, and Matt Lake, who each deliver earnest and emotive performances that bring the story to life. Rachel Armiger, in particular, shines as Sophia Crane, while Reed DeLisle brilliantly portrays Feldman, and Matt Lake gives a riveting performance as himself.

Butterfly Kisses centers around a documentary filmmaker, Gavin York (played by Seth Adam Kallick), who stumbles upon a collection of aged tapes that seem to document the terrifying experience of two student filmmakers, Sophia Crane (played by Rachel Armiger) and Feldman (played by Reed DeLisle), as they attempted to make a film about a local urban legend, "Peeping Tom". This urban legend centers around a mythical, malevolent entity known as "Peeping Tom," nicknamed "Mr. Blink," who, once summoned, is rumored to relentlessly stalk his victims until their untimely demise.

York finds himself inexplicably drawn to the tapes. As a struggling filmmaker himself, he sees a potential career-making opportunity in delving into the spooky mystery the tapes unfold. In order to prove the authenticity of the tapes and bring his own career out of obscurity, he decides to make a documentary using the footage. As the narrative progresses, the line between reality and fiction becomes blurred.

The structure of Butterfly Kisses captures audiences' attention by intertwining two narratives: the hair-raising events presented in the found footage and York's attempts to assemble, analyze, and verify it. Both storylines are presented through different cinematic lenses, with the found footage having an amateurish, grainy quality to it that contrasts sharply with the polished, professional aesthetic of York's documentary. This contrast further heightens the tension and uneasiness that the movie aims to elicit from its viewers.

The film does not shy away from incorporating a social commentary on professional validation and societal obsession with virality and mass-media recognition – themes that resonate strongly in a post-modern, digital era. Gavin York's character embodies these sociocultural dynamics, exposing viewers to the lengths one might go to seek professional validation amidst societal and media pressures.

Furthermore, a number of esteemed film and television personalities, including Eduardo Sánchez, the director of The Blair Witch Project, and Matt Lake, author and television presenter, make appearances in the film. Their inclusion adds another dimension of reality to the film, often leaving viewers to wonder where the boundaries of fiction end.

The use of a Maryland-based urban legend as a core plot device provides the film with an additional layer of intrigue and suspense, making it a must-see for fans of regional folklore, horror, and psychological thrillers. The legend of "Peeping Tom," while chilling, also positions Butterfly Kisses within a broader tradition of horror films built around local lore.

Butterfly Kisses is, at its core, a homage to found-footage films. It explores motivations and ambitions that often drive people to unearth and decode hidden or lost materials. However, the movie diverges from the traditional found-footage narrative by also probing into the darker, somber aspects of humanity, such as obsession and desperation.

It should be noted that Butterfly Kisses is not the typical gore-laden horror flick. Instead, it's a slow-burning, thoughtful narrative that gradually builds suspense and tension, both through its unfolding narrative and its intelligent use of visual scares. The combination of horror, mystery, and psychological drama makes Butterfly Kisses a unique timestamp within the horror genre and a testament to the storytelling potential of found footage films. With its compelling plot and high level of suspense, Butterfly Kisses is an intriguing watch for lovers of horror and mystery cinema alike.