Nightlight

Nightlight (2015)

Runtime: 85 minutes

Directed by: Scott Beck/Bryan Woods

Starring: Shelby Young, Carter Jenkins, Chloe Bridges, Taylor Murphy, Mitch Hewer

From: Herrick Entertainment

Would you believe that this movie is from the perspective of a FLASHLIGHT? Yes, it's found footage, but what a twist. It's also not terrible, although I can't even say it's good, which is a shame. I explain all that below:

Late April of 2015, I read an article on a horror website where this movie was mentioned as being released in a few AMC Theatres, none of which were near me. What was said about the movie made me chortle, and as I read more about it, it was true... this is yet another found footage movie set in the woods, although this is different... this was not a movie where we are seeing film recorded by someone with a camera. No, it was a POV movie... from the perspective of a flashlight. I kid you not. Amazing, although it does explain the common found footage complaint of “why is that person still filming?”

The plot isn't too original: a “not cool” teenage girl (Robin) is invited to hang out with a quartet of asstagonists (i.e. alleged protagonists who are actually A-holes) in the woods, where they say that they play “flashlight games”. No, I had no idea what the F that was either. Turns out, it means that they dick around in the woods and act like a bunch of tools. Well, spooky things start happening. It has to be said that Robin knew someone (Ethan) who killed themselves in those very same woods... is it a wise idea to go there?

I wish this movie could have been better, as the general idea was fine-and once you know what it's all about, it's actually a downbeat and sad tale-but it was the execution that was lacking. There actually are some creepy moments throughout; regrettably, it does fall into cliché too often. The Blair Witch Project was an obvious inspiration, to boot. Sure, Robin wants to be “cool” and that means hanging out with massive tools, but that is part of the story... although it can be tough putting up with those A-holes. I was at least amused at how the flashlight managed to switch between different people and that's how we got to see as much as we did.

It's disappointing this isn't something I can recommend, as in practice it's better than all the dreck that populates the found footage genre. It looks fine and I can't complain about the young cast of mostly unfamiliar faces. The plot should have been done differently and better and not be vague at all the wrong moments... and the movie would be more than just something with a wacky gimmick.