Found Footage Film Reveals Dark Family Secrets

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MOVIE REVIEW
Life of Belle
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 13m
Director(s): Shawn Robinson
Writer(s): Shawn Robinson
Cast: Syrenne Robinson, Zachary Robinson, Sarah Mae Robinson, Matthew Robinson, Victor Mele, Suzanne Kilborn, Sarah Flory, Lilli Albert, Kelly Black, Lyla Black
Where To Watch: coming to Screambox on May 17, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: LIFE OF BELLE, a found-footage film, captures the eerie unraveling of the seemingly mundane suburbanite Starnes family's life, turning everyday scenes into a canvas of suspense and fear. Written and directed by Shawn Robinson, the film opens with a scene that sets the stakes high: a family tragedy witnessed through police body cameras, weaving a story from the fragments of a shattered domestic life.

In this film, Belle, portrayed by Syrenne Robinson, has something a little off from the first moment we meet her; she aspires to be a YouTube star, a dream that becomes entangled in a darker narrative. Her on-screen chemistry with her real-life brother, Zachary Robinson, who plays Link, adds depth to their portrayals of siblings caught in an unimaginable situation. Their performances anchor the film, providing a heartfelt look at youth caught in the crossfire of the unknown.

The real intrigue in LIFE OF BELLE lies in its departure from standard horror fare, delving into the psychological rather than relying solely on supernatural scares. The film cleverly uses its low budget to its advantage, utilizing natural lighting and handheld camerawork to enhance the intimacy of the horror, making the real-life family’s descent into darkness feel natural. This approach not only heightens the tension but also grounds the terror in the psychological complexities of its characters, mainly through the mother’s harrowing transformation, portrayed with a haunting realism by Sarah Mae Robinson. I honestly don’t think some of the scenes could have been as successful had there not been the real-life mix of the family dynamic on screen.

However, LIFE OF BELLE isn’t without its flaws. The film’s pacing can sometimes feel uneven, with some scenes lingering too long before snapping back to the story's central plot. We’re also given far too much exposition at times. Additionally, while the film commendably tries to eschew traditional jump scares for atmospheric dread, it occasionally struggles to balance the slow-burn tension with narrative progression, leaving viewers wanting more from the film's resolution. This is only amplified by the film's actors, who sometimes veer into the dramatic.

The film still manages to craft a compelling narrative with some interesting characters. It mainly leverages the cast's real-life familial connections to enhance the believability of their on-screen relationships. The cinematography deserves special mention, turning ordinary household settings into scenes brimming with potential menace. This proves that effective horror only sometimes needs extravagant effects or settings. Specifically, the film's opening feels incredibly authentic. It reminds us that sometimes the most compelling stories are those hidden in plain sight, lurking in the corners of our everyday lives.

LIFE OF BELLE delivers a mixed bag of genuine chills and some missed opportunities. While it successfully fosters an atmosphere laden with the unknown and does so with some commendable depth of character, its narrative stumbles could leave some viewers less satisfied. Nonetheless, for those drawn to psychological explorations of horror set against a backdrop of ordinary life, LIFE OF BELLE offers an intriguing, if somewhat uneven, experience.

@screamboxtv

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