[CFF ’23] ‘Mind Body Spirit’ review: Found footage horror about finding peace

Mind Body Spirit showcases the evolution of found footage movies. Screening as part of the Chattanooga Film Festival, the plot focuses on an aspiring yoga influencer named Anya (Sara J. Bartholomew, Life is Strange 2) who discovers a ritual practice of cleansing left behind by her estranged grandmother. As she embarks on her journey, she unwittingly unleashes a sinister entity that threatens her very existence.

Found footage seems to have finally left behind larger film crews and seems to be focusing more on social media. It is a welcome change that is more in line with today’s world and ends up being more relatable. This also allows for the less produced and more chaotic nature that is inherent to the genre.

Mind Body Spirit takes things a bit further by making the camera more of an active participant. This has mixed results as sometimes it looks like the camera is moving in ways it should not be. The first time it happens, it looks like a mistake. This happens a few times and never looks good. There are scenes that are  successful in providing what seem to be the intended effect, however.

Bartholomew is tasked with carrying things alone the majority of the time. She is very capable at it and proves to be a more interesting watch than others feel her character’s fledgling YouTube videos will be. Mind Body Spirit is a horror movie that is about the unraveling of a character. Bartholomew does a great job of being insecure, scared, and intimidated. As things continue, it is clear that Anya is in over her head (in more ways than one) and audiences will feel for her.

There are some missteps along the way – the conversations about colonizers seem a little forced, even with the amusing retort by Anya’s frenemy Kenzie (Madi Bready) – but nothing will ruin anyone’s enjoyment. Mind Body Spirit has some good scares, does a great job of tackling self-worth, and culminates in a bloody finale. 

The Chattanooga Film Festival takes place June 23 – 29