At the risk of escalating the buzz for this film to new unrealistic levels, this is truly the best horror movie of the year. This super low-budget film is a slow boiler in the most terrifying sense of the word and has a lasting impact rarely seen in the genre anymore. This could have simply been another “hand-held camera” clone but thanks to a great cast and a genuinely creepy script, it escalates beyond the clichés to something truly memorable. The movie’s greatest asset is the bedroom setting that takes up most of the running time as the mundane suddenly becomes petrifying and dangerous.  Perhaps the highest compliment I can give this film is that for a person who goes to sleep watching horror movies, Paranormal Activity made going to bed much more difficult than usual.

Ever since preview screenings started for this haunted-house thriller shot for $15,000, the net has lit up with praise. A strong campaign led to an international release and thanks to word of mouth the film has so far accrued over 60 million dollars at the box office. The film deals with the supernatural disturbances experienced by a young couple and their attempts to document them on their video camera. Much in the style of The Blair Witch Project and REC we are treated to the footage as an account of what went on.

The great:
The film brilliantly succeeds in building creepy suspense and there is an unbearable anticipation as we find out just what is lurking in the dark. Rather than rely on gore or special effects the true chills come from the subtle use of sound effects and shadows that make it all seem so terrifyingly real.   

The good:
The two leads are what make the movie believable and their natural performances blur the line between fact and fiction. As a couple they are able to find humour in even the darkest moments, which make it all feel terrifyingly real. Above all it’s just plain frightening fun.

The not so good:
Those who hated Blair Witch and the like will probably find new things to hate about this movie. Low-budget horror is not for everyone and while some will find it charming others may equate it to a year 12 arts project that belongs on YouTube. As the buzz continues to build, I have no doubt some will be disappointed.

Paranormal Activity deserves to be seen on the big screen as sharing the jumps with a full audience adds to the fun. As the suspense builds it becomes a brutal and exhausting experience that has all the fun of a great rollercoaster ride. As a seasoned horror fan I can honestly say I can’t recall experiencing so many watery eyed goose bump moments during a movie. Highly recommended, if you’re game.

Paranormal Activity opens in Australian cinemas on December 3.
You can view the Paranormal Activity movie trailers (one and two) here on TheVine.