In 2018 creator Ricky Umberger, a passionate supporter of found footage films, set out to deliver his personal take on the sub-genre. His small flake of an idea snowballed into a highly acclaimed independent phenomenon. The grit and realism of the first film coupled with Umberger’s spectacular shot selection sent shrieking shrills through the horror nation. Shortly after the release and with audiences begging to unravel the mystery, it was revealed that the series would be a trilogy. The second film, “Curse of the Tape” continued the saga and left Fear Footage fans dying to return to Darkbluff (setting of the films) for an exciting conclusion. In 2021, audiences once again are taken through the fog, through the forest, and to the front door of those famous haunted homes to unlock the mystery behind this terror town.
Dennis “The Explorer” is a vlogger who has a mildly popular, trying to hit that 4k subscription plateau, show where he explores abandoned buildings and areas. After seeing the footage from the first two films, Dennis (Dennis Frazier) sets out for Darkbluff to see if there is any truth behind the legend. After admiring the gorgeous setting that encompasses the town, our horror host quickly realizes that he has unknowingly become the star of the newest sinister segment. Darkbluff’s homes are abandoned and the forest begins to trap the frightened visitor, seemingly shifting shrubs around to create an inescapable labyrinth of horror lore. Residents from the town’s past and recent visitors to Darkbluff reemerge to try and help Dennis unravel the mystery once and for all.
Umberger does it again with another original storyline to tie the films together. Once again pulling in several shots and set pieces on a shoestring budget that would make many A-List productions gasp. The vast majority of the film actor Dennis Frazier is left to do it all with a few guests from the previous films stopping by for a quick carnage filled chat. Frazier puts in a brave performance carrying the film, at times redundant, but for the bulk of the story the talented actor builds a slow burn horror bonfire. An altruistic performance as most people would laugh off the state of events before coming to terms with the terror. Similar to the second film, the concluding piece is a straight unsegmented piece but littered with side stories from the previous entries all leading to a satisfying yet completely undetected finale. The jump scares, a staple in the franchise, are still there, but also accompanied with a thoroughly thought-out plot.
The Fear Footage trilogy is not only three very fun fright films, but a testament to what one artist can do with no money, no A-List actors, next to no crew, and a hell of a lot of passion and talent. From the packaging of the physical media, (all three films come in unique covering) to keeping all secrets under wraps, Umberger creates a new eerie legend while giving hope to any artist that has a few bucks and a dream. While some could watch these films and say, “I can do that,” the flawless editing and insanely extraordinary shot selection that came together to make these films must be admired. Every detail is thought out with an ultimate conclusion in mind. Much higher budgeted independent films are often sloppily directed, have actors sleep walking through their performances, and sound skips that make their films nearly unwatchable. Regardless if this series is not a particular favorite of some horror hounds, the final product is a clean, creepy, terror trip that does the two things all media must. The Fear Footage evokes emotion and transforms setting. Umberger takes us to Darkbluff and scares the piss out of us, making everyone in the horror nation eager to enjoy his next creation.
Scream Score: 8.5/10
(View “The Fear Footage” films on Amazon prime or do yourself a favor and purchase the physical media to enhance your Fear Footage experience at thefearfootage.com)
(B-Roll music for these films feature: the random theory. Check out their work at therandomtheory.bandcamp.com)