Godforsaken is a found footage horror movie that begins with a great idea. A wake is being held for a young woman named Lisa (Melie B. Harris). As Chad Taylor (Chad Tailor) films the gathering, something strange happens. Days later, he comes back with a film crew to try to solve the mystery.
Even fans of the found footage sub-genre will admit the movies have a tendency to move slowly. There is a lot of time spent with set up and introducing characters. Godforsaken jumps right into the action and never really slows down. This is the film’s greatest strength and weakness.
The majority of the action takes place in a small town. Apparently, it is one of the unluckiest places in Canada, as everyone seems to have serious issues in their lives. While it is comical to see the amount and type of of problems, it does a great job of setting up the big mystery of Godforsaken. What has happened to Lisa and what will become of the town?
This leads to some fantastic foreshadowing involving supposed miracles and creepy symbols. There is a constant sense of dread throughout Godforsaken. It is obvious something is going to happen, and when it does, it is going to be REALLY bad. Even a trio of incredibly unlikable main characters do not ruin the enjoyment of the film’s first two acts.
Regrettably, after its strong opening and intriguing set up, Godforsaken loses its way as it speeds towards its finale. For starters, the payoff is a huge letdown. It is almost as if the writers put everything they had into building the story. By the time it was time for an ending, the plot turns to one of horror’s most overused ideas. There is one final reveal that explains everything, and while it is admittedly neat, it is also too late to fix the damage.
The main reason is by the point the movie fills the audience in on what has happened, things have gone on for way too long. (Which says a lot since the movie is barely 76 minutes.) This is a common issue in found footage and is especially egregious in Godforsaken. Shaky cam is a staple of these types of film, but its overuse here renders the film pretty much unwatchable. Since the goodwill has worn off, the leads also become unbearable.
The shame of it all is that Godforsaken is actually a fascinating movie up until everything hits the fan. It takes found footage in a new direction and will have audiences fearing what will happen next. Unfortunately, things keep rushing forward even after it has run out of steam.
Godforsaken comes to digital April 8
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