The Monster Project

The movie The Monster Project, released in 2017, is a chilling horror feature that dives deep into the world of supernatural folklore and urban legends. Directed by Victor Mathieu, the movie is compelling with its inventive approach to horror, seamlessly blending elements of suspense, found-footage, and compelling performances by its young cast including Toby Hemingway, Justin Bruening, and Murielle Zuker.

The movie commences with an ambitious group of young filmmakers aspiring to launch their independent reality show based on the serviceable concept of proving or disproving the existence of mythological monsters. The team is led by the passionate Devin, played by Justin Bruening- a closet believer in the paranormal, equally matched by his ex-girlfriend, Bryan, portrayed by the zestful live-wire performer, Murielle Zuker. Along with Toby Hemingway who plays Jamal, an independent filmmaker with a knack for inventive camera angles, the group is all set to investigate myths and expose the hidden realms of the supernatural.

In a bid to find their lead characters for the show, they post an advertisement on the internet, seeking "real-life" monsters to interview. The crew are skeptical yet pleasantly surprised when several individuals claiming to be a skinwalker, a vampire, and a demon, come forward to participate. Fascinated by their outlandishly intriguing stories, the group decides to conduct the interviews inside an abandoned mansion on the outskirts of the city. Little do they know of the uncanny experiences and terrifying ordeal that awaits them in this old-worldly eerie building.

The mansion, with its deserted glory and long forgotten past, comes across as the perfect backdrop for the scenes unfolding. Mathieu makes full use of this setting to create a palpable sense of impending danger and escalating horrors. It's at this juncture that Hemingway's handheld camera work crafts an atmosphere of intense suspense that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.

As the interviews with the self-proclaimed monsters commence, the circle of horror tropes closes upon them, slowly inching the story forward into their worst nightmares. The movie unfurls with frightening pace as the hunters become the hunted, and the filmmakers begin to question their own skepticism about the grotesque entities.

The brilliance of The Monster Project lies in its commitment to be exceptional within its genre. It raises question marks about how much we know about the paranormal realm. It conveys an ingenious commentary on how presumptuous it is to ridicule age-old folklores and urban legends without sufficient proof. For a movie of such modest budget, The Monster Project delivers bigger jolts than expected.

The performances of the main cast add to the essence of the movie. Justin Bruening brings in a matured flavor with his lead role as Devin, striking the right balance between leader and frightened victim. Murielle Zuker brings a raw edginess to Bryan, mixing fear and bravery in equal parts. And Toby Hemingway, as the guy behind the camera, portrays an artful mix of innocence and wit, adding a depth to his character. His skill behind the camera plays an instrumental role in setting the tone of realism in this found-footage horror film.

The movie soundtrack, composed by Monster Music, weaves an auditory fabric of dread and anticipation, which is fitting for the dark themes of the movie. The camerawork, from hand-held to deeply immersive angles, along with commendable special effects, enhances the visual storytelling, creating a nerve-racking viewer experience.

The Monster Project successfully adjoins classic horror elements with found-footage horror, creating a spooky, compelling narrative of supernatural entities. This movie is an exercise in tension and thrill, maintaining a high level of suspense right up to the end. With commendable performances, bold camera work, and terrifying jumps, The Monster Project is a must-watch for horror movie enthusiasts. If you are intrigued by the unknown and enjoy watching stories unfold from behind the lens, this movie might just be the one to keep you awake till the wee hours.