Paranormal activity is a horror film that single handedly revolutionized the world of found-footage horror by employing a simplistic yet terrifying method of haunting audiences all over the world. The genre is both critical and commercial which is best showcase through the award and nominee list of the movie.

The events of the film unfold with a young couple, Katie and Micah, who have recently moved into a suburban house and start experiencing strange phenomenons which are unheard off. In order to keep better tabs on the spooky occurrences, Micah first starts with placing a camera and later a series of cameras to document the phenomena. What starts of super subtle, such as doors ajar, snowballs into terrifying poltergeist events that range from shadowy figures, whispers, sleep walking and a lot more.

Katie, at the crux of the story reveals that she has been followed by a demonic presence as a kid. The couple slowly but surely understand that they are not only planning a ghost. And as we get closer over time, we discover that the haunting is more intense than believed. There is no escape at this heightened state, leaving the decent of terror at a shocking climax which is haunting and forever frightening at the same time.

Cast & Crew

• Katie Featherston as Katie
• Micah Sloat as Micah
• Director & Writer: Oren Peli
• Producers: Jason Blum, Oren Peli (Kicking off Blumhouse Productions!)
• Cinematography: Oren Peli (Shot in his house!)
• Music: No music (Increases the sense of authenticity)

IMDb Ratings & Reviews

IMDb Rating: ⭐ 6.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% Critics | 57% Audience

Metacritic: 68/100

Critics bestowed praise on Paranormal Activity for its authenticity, the tension build-up that takes the slow route, and sparse horror elements. Some audiences, however, viewed this as PACE TOO SLOW or overly rely on low-action within horror rather than hardcore violence.

Awards & Recognition

• Winner – Best First Feature (Toronto After Dark Film Festival)
• Nominated – Best Horror Film (Empire Awards UK)
• Profits of some of the highest grossing films – Budget: $15000 | Box Office: $193M!

Personal Insights & Cultural Significance

• Paranormal Activity proved that there is a cultural market for low budget horror movies.
• Gave rise to Blumhouse Productions, the brand behind legendary contemporary horror films like Insidious, The Purge, and Get Out.
• It is one of the most effective psychological horrors ever, and it is attributed to its “less is more” approach like doors moving and blankets getting pulled.
• The night scenes are especially creepy, as they prey on the common anxiety surrounding what occurs whilst we are asleep.

Final Verdict

If your taste lies with burnoused, found-footage horror with subtle chills that are likely to haunt and have your skin crawling, then, Paranormal Activity is the film to watch. Those who love the horror genre will love how it blurs the line between reality and fiction with its chilling quiet and shocking conclusion.