Refreshing Take on a Well-Loved Genre

Read Time:3 Minute, 16 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Puzzle Box
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Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 13m
Director(s): Jack Dignan
Writer(s): Jack Dignan
Cast: Kaitlyn Boyé, Laneikka Denne, Cassandre Girard, Janelle McMenamin, Matias Klaver, Hazel Pompeani
Where To Watch: on digital October 11, 2024, premiered at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival on August 12, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Jack Dignan’s PUZZLE BOX presents a thrilling venture into the realm of found footage horror films, taking viewers on a jolting ride through a maze-like house of terror. The film centers on Kait (Kaitlyn Boyé), who fights to overcome her addiction demons in a seemingly ordinary forest-dwelling, and her sister Olivia (Laneikka Denne), who helps to capture this struggle on camera. But this is no ordinary house; there is so much more within these walls of terror.

What’s engaging about PUZZLE BOX is how it aligns itself with the found footage genre, which has been synonymous with raw and unfiltered fear since its inception. It’s a style that uniquely captures realism, turning ordinary settings into horrifying landscapes. Dignan’s take on this tradition furthers the theme, turning the house into a protagonist and a metaphor for Kait’s inner turmoil. It’s a clever twist that breathes fresh life into a genre filled with possibility.

But not everything in PUZZLE BOX clicks into place. The Screaming Woman, Cassandre Girard’s role, becomes more overbearing at times than a source of terror. Her screeches might have been intended to add to the film’s intensity, but they become a repetitive distraction. This screams of a missed opportunity to turn what could have been a haunting character into a central piece of the film’s horror.

Dignan’s previous works have shown a knack for storytelling, blending genre elements to keep audiences on the edge. But with PUZZLE BOX, his talents seem constrained. Supporting characters like The Mother (Janelle McMenamin) and Dr. Jeffrey Carter (Matias Klaver) are left in the shadows, hinting at the untapped potential. These characters needed more exploration and room to breathe and contribute to the plot’s depth.

The legacy of found footage films is a tale of creative expression, turning limitations into strengths. It’s a fine line that requires attention to detail, subtlety, and innovation. PUZZLE BOX shows a desire to innovate within this framework.

So, what’s the final verdict on PUZZLE BOX? It’s a valiant effort with a refreshing take on a well-loved genre. It provides some chills and thrills for those who enjoy a good psychological twist. The film could have been more polished, focusing on character development and balancing innovation and execution.

In summing up, PUZZLE BOX, it’s an engaging horror film that’s worth a watch but leaves you contemplating what could have been. The puzzle might have been solved with more attention to detail and restraint. As it is, PUZZLE BOX remains an intriguing chapter in found footage cinema, a thrilling exploration that keeps you guessing.

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[photo courtesy of WELCOME VILLIAN FILMS, DEAD WOODS PRODUCTIONS, REPEATER PRODUCTIONS]

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