A Gritty Tale of Adolescence and Horror

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Glenarma Tapes
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 18m
Director(s): Tony Devlin
Writer(s): Tony Devlin, Paul Kennedy
Cast: Warren McCook, Sophie Hill, Ryan Early, Emily Lamey
Where To Watch: available via VOD/Digital on April 2, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Diving into the shadow-laden woods of Northern Ireland, THE GLENARMA TAPES takes us on an enthralling ride that veers from everyday mischief to the eerie. Under the guidance of director Tony Devlin and co-writer Paul Kennedy, this isn’t your average found footage flick. It’s a layered expedition into friendship, betrayal, and a battle for survival, wrapped in the enigmatic embrace of Glenarma Forest. The narrative is a back-and-forth on the edge of suspense, with a dash of teenage drama and the allure of the mystical, making you lean in closer with every twist and turn. It’s been almost twenty-five years since this genre took hold, and while there have been countless imitations, films like this prove that originality’s still possible within the genre!

The film’s magic lies in its rich character arcs, turning a potential teenage caper into an intense survival saga. Our protagonists aren't just dealing with the usual adolescent turmoil; they're thrust into a world brimming with dark rituals and even darker human nature. THE GLENARMA TAPES thrives in this duality, portraying the forest as both a literal and metaphorical jungle of challenges, reflecting the societal and personal hurdles that our characters navigate.

But it’s not without its struggles itself. The film sometimes tries to bite off more than it can chew, juggling horror tropes with social commentary, causing some narrative threads to fray. Despite these occasional missteps, the cast's performances shine through, capturing the essence of youth caught in the crossfire of growing up and facing unimaginable horrors.

A standout feature is its innovative twist on the found footage genre. The proposed project to document a day in a character's life morphs into an urgent chronicle of survival. This pivot adds a heartfelt depth to the story, mirroring the themes of rebellion, searching for meaning, and the bittersweet taste of adolescence against a backdrop of terror. It takes found footage and adds purpose to the mix.

I will admit that the abrupt gear shift from an adventure to a fight for survival can leave viewers scrambling to reattach their emotional ties to the characters. Moreover, while striving for a mix of resolution and mystery, the film's conclusion might not satisfy those craving a neat bow atop the complex narrative. Sometimes, a messy ending with the unknown is a necessity!

THE GLENARMA TAPES is a commendable detour off the beaten path of the found footage landscape. It blends horror and human drama with a keen eye for character development and atmospheric storytelling. Though it occasionally trips in the dense undergrowth of its ambitions, the film stands tall as a memorable foray into the genre, offering a viewing experience that lingers in the mind. For moviegoers yearning for a tale that marries the thrill of horror with the depth of human emotion, this journey through the Glenarma Forest is one you won’t want to miss.

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[photo courtesy of DARK SKY FILMS]

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