This is an Australian horror film that did not deeply disturb me for once. It was however very creepy and a bit of a trip.

Released in 2008 this psychological horror film follows the disappearance of a teen girl and the supernatural investigation that her parents undertake to find some answers. 

What’s so unique about this movie and what made it such. Trip is that it is presented as a documentary. It feels so real and so authentic that I lost track of what was real at multiple points in the film. I found myself so wrapped up in the authenticity of the performances and the filmmaking style that I had to pause and google multiple times to make sure this wasn’t real or inspired by real events. Yet every google lead me to respect the film and filmmakers even more. 

The acting in this film is so naturalistic that I never once saw the artifice lurking beneath the surface. There is not a single false note in the entire movie. Every actor employs an incredible level of nuance from the awkwardness of a talking head interview to the raw emotions of reliving one of the worst days of their lives. The husband, wife, and son are played by relatively unknown actors David Pledger, Rosie Traynor, and Martin Sharpe respectively. They improvised their interview scenes which helps explain the spontaneity of their performances. It’s a brilliant display of improv talent. 

The film uses a combination of interviews and “archival footage” to tell it’s story, but the archival footage never feels too easy or convenient. It never gives away the game that the footage is fabricated. The angles are the perfect amount of imperfect. They don’t feel composed or too clean. The footage is grainy and rough. There are certain moments when it’s unclear what we’re supposed to be seeing in that grainy 2008 digital footage. But that uncertainty leads to a tremendous feeling of uneasiness. 

The story itself follows an unpredictable and uneven path toward its surprising conclusion. It begins as a haunted house story that then becomes an examination of grief and the grieving process. It then becomes a conspiracy story as the family digs deeper. It then becomes a tragedy as secrets are revealed. It touches on so many elements and hits all the notes perfectly. The story is a fascinating balancing act. I’m very impressed they managed all of these tones and story moments this well. 

I don’t want to give anything way here. I would just say that it is definitely worth watching as a stylistic exploration. This will work better for film people than for average viewers. It’s not very scary or it’s not at all intense. It is a fascinating and engaging experiment in style, form, and unique storytelling. I don’t think this one is going to stick with me for the long haul. It’s an interesting piece, but it lacks the punch needed for it to hold a place in the horror pantheon.

It is my cup of tea B