Paranormal Entity

Paranormal Entity is a 2009 American supernatural horror film. Directed by Shane Van Dyke and produced by The Asylum, the movie stars Erin Marie Hogan, Fia Perera, Norman Saleet, and also Shane Van Dyke in a supporting role. The film combines elements of suspense, horror, and supernatural phenomena packaged in the popular 'found footage' style of storytelling to deliver an intense and chilling movie experience.

The film invites its audience into the world of the Finley family – mother Ellen (Fia Perera), her children— twenty-two-year-old Thomas (Shane Van Dyke) and twenty-four-year-old Samantha (Erin Marie Hogan)— and a close family friend Edgar Lauren (Norman Saleet), a psychic medium. The Finleys are far from being a normal family; mysterious, inexplicable, paranormal activities surround them, turning their everyday lives into a walking nightmare.

When the Finley's are devastated by the tragic loss of Mr. Finley, these paranormal occurrences take a severe turn. Samantha, especially, seems to be the main target of whatever supernatural force is haunting their home. Disturbed by the progressively worsening circumstances and lack of tangible help from the police, the family decides to document these events. Thomas, a film-student, uses his skills to record the events as they unfold daily and nightly, with a desperate hope that this would provide some evidence to compel the authorities to help them.

Edgar Lauren, a radical psychic medium and family friend, adds depth and intrigue to the plot. He believes that all the terrifying incidents are more than just a series of random supernatural events; instead, they are linked to an evil entity that is directly connected to Samantha. Edgar's role served not only to heighten the tension but also to provide a pseudo-scientific or supernatural explanation to the mysterious happenings around the Finley household.

Relying heavily on suspense, Paranormal Entity captivates the viewers by offering bone-chilling sequences with few special effects. It derives its terror more from psychological fright and less from gore and violent shock, making it a standout in the horror genre. Erin Marie Hogan delivers a compelling performance as the tormented Samantha. Her vulnerability and fear are palpable and serve to make the audience genuinely concerned for her safety. Shane Van Dyke wears both the hats of the concerned brother and director with total ease, often blurring the line for viewers between fiction and reality, which is indeed the charm of a well-made 'found footage' film.

The cinematography and direction of the film further emphasize the horrific undertones, with dim lighting, sudden camera movements, and close-ups heightening the sense of immediacy and fear. In some scenes, the viewers are only shown reactions of characters or an ominous shadow ensuring the terror is more psychological and thus making it more lasting.

Despite its obvious similarities to "Paranormal Activity," a Hollywood blockbuster released in the same year and in the same genre, Paranormal Entity stands on its own as a unique, spine-chilling documentation of a family's harrowing encounter with forces beyond comprehension. The found footage element of the film successfully creates a realistic atmosphere, making it relatable and all the more terrifying.

One should watch Paranormal Entity with an open mind and a love for the horror genre. It gracefully weaves together a riveting family narrative with the classic tropes of haunted house stories and demonic possession. This movie may not be the usual big-budget, flashy, Hollywood horror film, but it definitely makes for a perfect late-night thriller.

The film teases the viewer with a sense of foreboding, with every frame fraught with tension and dread. Paranormal Entity gives a detailed insight into an average family's life turned upside down by the mysterious and unexplained. It's a rollercoaster ride of emotions powered by fear, helplessness, and suspense—the perfect recipe to keep horror enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.