Polaroid

Polaroid is a 2019 supernatural horror film released by Lantern Entertainment and directed by Lars Klevberg. The film is based on Klevberg's 2015 short film of the same name and embraces elements of both slasher and supernatural horror movie genres. The main cast members consist of Kathryn Prescott, Tyler Young, Samantha Logan, alongside other notable performances.

Kathryn Prescott, best known for her role in "Finding Carter", lands herself in the lead role as a high school outcast named Bird Fitcher. Bird works part-time at an antique shop, where she stumbles upon a vintage Polaroid camera. Bird, an avid photographer, is thrilled by her discovery, blissfully ignorant of its dark history. Tyler Young plays Connor Bell, Bird's loyal friend who finds himself tangled up in the eerie occurrences that follow. Samantha Logan, famously known for her part in "All American", portrays Kasey, another friend who also witness to the strange and terrifying incidents that plague their small town due to the camera.

"Polaroid" delves into the haunted history behind the vintage camera. Bird soon discovers the camera she innocently found holds a dreadful secret. Surprisingly, every person she takes a photo of seemingly meets an unfortunate fate, signaling to the viewer that the camera and its victims share a sinister linkage.

The film plays upon the fears of the unseen and the unknown, juxtaposing everyday items like a camera against a horrific backdrop. The director uses suspense and anxiety on a consistent level throughout the movie to entirely submerge his audience into a claustrophobic fear the protagonists are experiencing. This interplay between the ordinary and paranormal is a constant undercurrent in Lars Klevberg’s narrative.

The contrast of the vintage Polaroid camera and the modern aesthetic of the surroundings, set in the current-day small town, particularly stands out. The cinematography captures the growing dread using shadowy lighting effects and innovative camera angles to make the audience feel part of the mysterious happenings. The suspenseful score compliments the spooky visuals and heightens the eerie build-up at crucial moments throughout the plot.

In each character, the filmmakers incorporate a sense of innocent curiosity mixed with youthful valor, hinting at a deeper exploration into how curiosity can sometimes lead to disastrous consequences. Each character is confronted with fear and the supernatural in a way that challenges them and pushes them to their limits.

The strength of "Polaroid" lies in its narrative consistency. The plot is not only fast-paced and filled with mysterious incidents but also progressively revealing the dark past of the camera. The movie takes its time to unravel the complex and sinister association between the camera and its victims, unveiling shocking facts that make the storyline more intriguing.

However, what makes this film stand out is the well-orchestrated balance between psychological horror and jump scares. While the movie entices its audience with a constant sense of dread and unpredictability, it doesn't rely on cheap thrills. Instead, it offers a compelling storyline with well-timed scares that add to the overall horror rather than subtracting from the plot complexity.

"Polaroid" is a film that pays homage to traditional horror while keeping its footing firmly in the present. Its success lies in Klevberg's ability to blend raw tension with well-shot horror sequences, making it a compelling watch for the fans of the horror genre. The film is suspenseful, engaging, and terrifying with its unique premise and flawless execution.

"Polaroid" is a good choice for those looking for a film that dances uniquely on the edges of slasher and supernatural flicks. It ensures an immersive experience that will have you at the edge of your seat, embodying the essence of a narrative-driven horror film. The movie also serves as a grim reminder that sometimes, an innocent discovery can lead to sinister repercussions. In all, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking an intriguing storyline, well-established characters, and a good thrill.