Ghoul

Ghoul is a blend of found footage, horror, and intense psychological drama genres, released in 2015. The film was directed by Petr Jákl and produced by J.B. Popplewell. Ghoul stars a talented cast led by Jennifer Armour, Alina Golovlyova, and Jeremy Isabella.

Set in post-Soviet Ukraine, Ghoul follows Sarah (Jennifer Armour), Valery (Alina Golovlyova), and Ethan (Jeremy Isabella), who are American filmmakers documenting the Ukrainian famine-genocide of 1932-1933, also known as the Holodomor. These filmmakers are brought together by common interest in unveiling obscure historical facts and abnormalities through the lens of the camera.

Their journey takes them to Borodyanka, a remote Ukrainian village steeped in folklore and mystery. While initially welcomed by the seemingly hospitable locals, they soon realise the legend of the 'Borodyanka Ghoul' is a topic avoided by all. Jennifer Armour impressively embodies Sarah, a lady driven by courage, venture, and truth, leading her crew into the mystery that evolves with every new event. Alina Golovlyova, playing Valery, brings an interesting perspective to the horror they delve into, portraying a blend of fear and curiosity. Ethan, portrayed by Jeremy Isabella, completes the trio with his practical approach to the looming fear and desperation.

As the filmmakers dive deeper into the folklore, eerie sightings and unusual happenings lead to the chilling reveal that this isn't merely a legend – something sinister lurks in the shadows of this picturesque setting. The dark mystery of the town starts to uncover while the team records it all.

The story is shot in a found footage-style, creating a raw, immersive experience for viewers, enabling an intimate portrayal of the characters and their experiences. This style also gives a unique angle to storytelling, seamlessly blending moments of tranquillity with the impending feeling of impending dread.

The atmosphere crafted in Ghoul is foreboding and intense, making use of light, shadow, and setting to elevate the sense of dread and suspense. The chilling rural setting around the isolated Ukrainian village brings a specter of the gloomy past, leading to a tangible sense of tension and danger around every corner, a sentiment further amplified by the macabre elements that the film contains.

Moreover, Ghoul does not shy away from tackling the dark historical events that form the backdrop to the story. It shines a light on the horrific famine-genocide, offering a grim reminder of a tragic era of unspoken history. Apart from the supernatural components of horror, the societal horrors experienced by the Holodomor victims are soberingly unveiled.

In terms of soundtrack and sound design, the film employs subtle and chilling ambient noises that enhance the spine-chilling moments, accompanied by artful silence creating an aura of suspenseful anticipation.

Ghoul skillfully blends intense psychological horror with found footage realism and a heavy exploration of historical events making the narrative not only immensely frightening but also loaded with grim historical context. While the supernatural elements keep the viewers on their toes, the historical backdrop adds in-depth gravitas and adds elements of retrospective horror.

The movie does an excellent job of escalating its horror, steadily building tension with both the things that are seen and those left to the viewer's imagination. Moreover, it does not solely rely on jump scares, rather, it creates a dreadful ambiance, leaving a lasting impression on the audience, long after they've finished watching.

Ghoul is a deeply psychological horror movie that will have you questioning everything you've seen and heard, showing that the darkest horrors are those that lurk within human history. It successfully intertwines the supernatural with historical events, offering the viewers an intense journey through the forgotten past, right up to the bone-chilling finale. Adapted from real-life incidents and folklore, this film does not disappoint the horror genre enthusiasts and leaves a lasting impact on the conscious viewer.