Skew

Skew is a 2011 Canadian horror and psychological thriller film, directed and written by Sevé Schelenz, that uniquely marries found-footage horror with psychological dread. The movie features Rob Scattergood, Amber Lewis, and Richard Olak in lead roles, showcasing their compelling performances.

The film opens with three friends – Simon (played by Rob Scattergood), Eva (Amber Lewis), and Richard (Richard Olak). The trio embarks on a road trip, filled with anticipation and excitement of the adventure that lies ahead. Simon, an aspiring filmmaker, decides to document the journey and chronicle their escapades on tape using his hand-held video camera. What begins as a fun trip soon descends into an unexpected nightmare.

The horror starts subtly, with Simon discovering strange anomalies in his footage that cannot be explained. As they stop at various abandoned places and deserted motels along their journey, these anomalies start manifesting as eerie distortions that ominously warp the faces of whoever is being filmed. These disruptions gradually start to take a disturbing and horrifying shape, and the friends find themselves tangled in a web of intrigue and dread that seems to be connected to the camera.

The story is an excellent example of character-driven horror, and the performances play a significant role in heightening the suspense element. Rob Scattergood, portraying his character's increasing paranoia and uncertainty convincingly, sets up a tense mood that persists throughout the movie. Richard Olak's character adds a dynamic that amplifies the feeling of impending doom, while Amber Lewis' character acts as a balancing force, which keeps the narrative grounded.

One of the film’s unique aspects is its use of the found-footage horror sub-genre. Skew uses this style not merely as a cheap gimmick but makes it central to the storyline. This unique twist makes the viewer eager to decipher the anomalies and distortions in Simon’s footage and often leaves them questioning if what they’re seeing is genuinely supernatural or the descent into insanity of a psychologically distressed individual.

The film is woven with claustrophobic dread, building suspense over gaudy spectacle. Schelenz's intelligent direction and the effective use of a small budget enhance the movie's creepiness. It also helps that the primary settings - empty roads, low-rent motels, and haunted locales - are shot and framed in a way that reflects the atmosphere of foreboding and fear.

Despite being a horror film, Skew does not rely solely on jump scares or indiscriminate gore to unsettle its audience. Instead, it leverages the found footage technique's unique strengths, leveraging uncanny off-screen sounds, the fear of the unseen, and the characters' reactions to scare its viewers.

Skew raises questions about perception, reality, and the human mind. It blurs the lines between actual events and what is captured via Simon’s camera, leaving the viewer questioning the reliability of both. The movie is full of surprises and takes unexpected turns to culminate in an impactful climax that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

The film’s sound design and musical score play a crucial role in amplifying its ominously atmospheric tone. The ambient audio effects often create a wave of discomfort and dread, making the movie an aurally unsettling experience. The minimal and eerie score contributes to the tension-filled atmosphere that pervades the entire film.

In the world of independently-made horror cinema, Skew has carved a distinct place for itself by focusing its narrative on the psychological aspect of horror. It is not a conventional supernatural horror film but, instead, offers a unique, thought-provoking, and twisted narrative that keeps audiences hooked till the very end. It is a must-watch for viewers interested in refreshing and well-acted psychological horror content.