Evidence

The movie Evidence is a gruesome and thrilling mystery film released in 2012. The film is directed by Howie Askins and features a wonderful cast delivering compelling performances, such as Ryan McCoy, Brett Rosenberg, and Ashley Bracken, who uplift and enhance the haunting and eerie atmosphere of the storyline.

The plot revolves around four friends who embark on a trekking trip into the serene and attractive, yet eerily isolating wilderness. They capture their journey through a handy cam, intending to document their exciting adventure and the captivating sights from the wilderness. Ryan McCoy is the protagonist who plans this exciting trip and also takes on the role of filming the escapade. Brett Rosenberg and Ashley Bracken join in on the fun along with Abigail Richie, Ryan’s girlfriend, who completes the quartet.

As the group ventures deeper into woods, they stumble upon grim evidence of grotesque violence and harrowing horrors. The mood of the movie immediately takes a bone-chilling turn as the group becomes targeted by an unseen and unspeakable terror. The film cleverly uses found-footage technique to maintain a sense of realism. This style provides a first-person perspective of the escalating fear and horror, making the audience feel involved in the narrative.

Ryan McCoy, Brett Rosenberg, and Ashley Bracken, through their performances, successfully create a sense of authenticity and believability to this intense survival scenario. They make you believe you are in their shoes, facing the terror that they are experiencing on the screen.

The film heavily relies on “show and tell”, adding to the atmosphere and authenticity of the story. Rather than providing significant exposition or backstory for the threat the characters face, Evidence presents the audience with the same knowledge as the characters, leaving the viewers to make sense of what they see and hear. This enhances the film's horrors as the audience, much like the characters, are left unraveling the chaos and fear on their own.

Howie Askins, the director, impressively carves out horrific suspense and tension from the film’s tight and stirring narrative. He skillfully builds the momentum from the very beginning, gradually escalating from the fun and excitement of an adventurous trip to a fight for survival against a haunting terror. In the expansive forest and wilderness, where refuge or escape seems impossible, Askins demonstrates his prowess in utilizing the environment to establish a gripping atmosphere of fear and suspense.

The cinematography of the movie is raw and edgy, reflecting the spirit of a found footage film, and this stylistic choice adds a layer of realism and immerses the audience in the setting. The camerawork serves as a character in itself and significantly contributes to the storytelling. The jerky movements, and frantic zooms, and the fading light conditions contribute to the escalating scares and tension. The sound design also enhances the sensory experience, immersing the audience further into the dark ambience of the film.

The movie Evidence is not just a mere slasher or survival horror movie, but also incorporates elements of mystery and detective work, demanding the audience’s attention and involvement. As the characters traverse through the woods, finding initial signs of uncanny and ghastly happenings, the audience is left piecing together the evidence much like the characters in the movie.

In conclusion, Evidence is a gripping blend of survival horror and mystery elements, wrapped up in a found-footage presentation. The performances of Ryan McCoy, Brett Rosenberg, and Ashley Bracken create an engaging and believable set of characters that ultimately makes the audience root for their survival and victory against the horrifying odds. Director Howie Askins' suspenseful exploration of fear and terror in the isolated wilderness, makes Evidence a compelling watch for fans of horror and mystery genres. It's a nerve-wracking ride which leaves the audience questioning, speculating, and gasping at each turn of events, making it a must-watch for those looking for an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience.