Zach (played by Zach Gilford) and Samantha McCall (played by Allison Miller) are a newlywed couple heading to their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. They are enjoying themselves until their trip takes an unexpected turn when a supposed psychic they visit foresees trouble ahead. The couple ends up at a bar where they drink way too much. In a drunken state they stumble upon a strange gathering. The next day, while hungover they forget everything that happened the night before. Not much later, Zach and Samatha discovers that she is pregnant. However, their joy is short-lived as strange phenomena continue to occur around Sam, leading them to suspect that the pregnancy might have a demonic origin.
There’s really not much new to see here, especially if you’re a regular watcher of the Paranormal Activity series. This movie seems to be piggy backing off the success of that low budget found footage series. I don’t really think very many viewers go into this one with high expectations, especially for a January release. I don’t think the film aims to push the envelope or bring anything new to the table, so it’s definitely self aware in that aspect. I can at least say that the pacing wasn’t too bad. It’s a short film, which is to its benefit.
At this point I would like these types of films try to be a little different though. It’s become too formulaic for me. And would it kill the writers to switch it up a little with the endings? They have become too prediction these days and this film was no exception.
I thought the cast performed well at least. I thought they did a good job at conveying the tension the characters were feeling. Unfortunately they also make their fair share of stupid decisions that ultimately makes me care less about their fate.
If you’re in a found footage kind of mood and scare easily, then this film should scratch the itch fine enough, but this type of generic run of the mill story is becoming old and tired for me. I actually like the found footage style, especially when it still manages to be shot well and tones down the shaky cam scenes; I just appreciate the attempt at realism. And I especially like when effects are involved because it makes you think that anything is possible. But this certainly isn’t anything special or worth seeing anywhere but on cable or Netflix.