afflicted movie review 2013

"Afflicted"

“Afflicted,” a fratboy-travelogue/found footage horror film, actively courts skepticism. Like any horror film with a documentary impulse, especially films like “ The Blair Witch Project ” and “ Chronicle ,” “Afflicted” tries to impress you with its creators’ sincerity. In fact, real-life co-directors Derek Lee and Clif Prowse play versions of themselves. They’re college BFFs on a globe-trotting adventure that winds up ruining both their lives. So naturally, their goal is to show you, the anonymous viewer, every singular and strange experience they have. They ostensibly cannot believe what’s happening to them, so they film events in the hopes that you, the viewer, will recognize them as real. So in order to consistently enjoy “Afflicted” as a cinematic rollercoaster, you have to believe the people you’re observing are real, and that their actions have consequences. Unfortunately, “Afflicted” is as emotionally involving as a really accomplished special-effects sizzle reel.

Admittedly, one shouldn’t fault a theme park ride for not being as fulfilling as a great Russian novel. But “Afflicted” often asks you to lower your guard, and accept its protagonists as people. Derek and Clif spend much of their film’s first half-hour trying to win viewers over with aw-shucks sincerity. They talk about getting laid, and burble about doing crazy, wild, forbidden things on their trip. And if you don’t like Derek and Clif as carefree horndogs, wait a little longer, and you’ll see them fumble for your heart-strings: Derek confesses (to the camera) that he suffers from Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), a fatal disease. With a lemons-into-lemonade mandate in mind, Derek and Clif head to Barcelona. They want to see the world, and have lots of sex while Derek still can. But a one-night stand leaves him bloody, confused, and (you guessed it) afflicted with a mysterious disease. He spends the rest of the film trying to figure out what’s happening to his body, and how he can live with his mysterious new ailment.

“Afflicted” is accordingly at it’s best when Derek is most self-absorbed. Prowse and Lee aren’t great performers, so it’s often annoying to see them try to show you how scared, worried, or anxious they are. That having been said: once Derek learns what his disease has done to him, he realizes that he doesn’t need to be nice, or put on a brave face. So early scenes, where Derek retches uncontrollably, then exhibits superhuman strength, are really exciting. Here’s a character worth watching, one that’s scared, proud, and nasty.

Too bad that guy’s not “Afflicted”‘s focus. The film’s found-footage structure always takes precedence, so character motivations are always skimpy, and as-needed. Sharp jump cuts between scenes, and wooden acting, especially whenever characters are pleading to, or off-camera, constantly remind you that you’re watching a work of fiction. In that context, even modest leaps in logic feel drastic. Like, the reason Clif stumbles upon Derek after his one-night stand isn’t implausible. Clif wants to administer a “Turkish cockblock,” because apparently he’s a prick, and isn’t getting any. Then again, the sheer douchey-ness of this behavior seems unbelievable given how hard Prowse pitches his bros-will-be-bros intentions to his camera. The way he conspires with his audience is clumsy, and distracting. He’s supposed to be winking at his viewers, but only winds up confronting us. In that scene, you can feel the limitations of the found-footage horror film. The gimmick of watching events exclusively from a voyeur’s perspective can almost never sustain itself over the course of an entire movie.

That having been said, “Afflicted” is fitfully impressive. It may be as soulful as an ambitious student film, but it’s got more than enough technical brawn to be scary. Many of the film’s scariest scenes are thankfully not jump scare-reliant, though they are scary for the same reasons: you can’t always see what’s happening. Lee and Prowse’s scare tactics are only relatively more refined. Their camera doesn’t bobble for its own sake, and they don’t make objects fly in your face in every other scene either. Lee and Prowse accomplish what they set out to in scenes where Derek tests his new abilities, like the ones where he crushes rocks with his fists. If only they always tried so hard.

Simon Abrams

Simon Abrams is a native New Yorker and freelance film critic whose work has been featured in The New York Times , Vanity Fair , The Village Voice, and elsewhere.

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Afflicted Reviews

An entertaining genre film, presenting a handful of scenes to satisfy the gore mongers as well as those seeking a little substance.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 29, 2019

Although "Afflicted" is light on truly frightening moments, it compensates with plenty of personality and chill.

Full Review | Nov 22, 2018

There's no beauty or inspiration in the film's shooting style, and most importantly, no terror. If this is "ingenious" horror filmmaking, as the programme note suggests, get me off this planet.

Full Review | Oct 2, 2017

Despite thinking you may know where the story is headed, it continually subverts expectations and in places it doesn't, there's at least quality entertainment.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Jun 23, 2016

This isn't the most exhilarating or groundbreaking endeavor of the horror genre, yet its cinematic and visual modus operandi works like a charm.

Full Review | Mar 1, 2016

Rather than letting their budgetary constraints hold back their story, Prowse and Lee let their stunning visuals and compelling story do all the heavy lifting, creating a horror tale that's as scary as it is endearing.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 8, 2016

Afflicted may be slightly more entertaining than most others films of the same type, but it's still unable to hide the fact that it's just as empty as most of them as well.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jun 30, 2014

When it comes to the ongoing cycle of handheld horror films at the local movie theater, there are far worse choices than a movie like Afflicted.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jun 13, 2014

Lee and Prowse clearly have filmmaking abilities, but Afflicted doesn't feel complete. It's more of a cinematic sharpening stone than a deeply considered merging of genre and style.

Full Review | Original Score: C | Apr 17, 2014

A mix of "Innocent Blood," and Cronenberg's "The Fly," with a hefty injection of "Chronicle."

Full Review | Apr 4, 2014

There's life yet in the found-footage horror genre.

The best found-footage movie since CHRONICLE. Ambitious, and beautifully shot.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Apr 4, 2014

"Afflicted" is as emotionally involving as a really accomplished special-effects sizzle reel.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 4, 2014

Runs smack into a number of generic clichs, from the back-and-forth bickering about how to deal with the situation to a lazy underlying misogyny.

"Found footage" has become a tired technique, but Lee and Prowse, who also wrote the screenplay, give it new life.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 3, 2014

A nifty found-footage thriller that marks a promising debut for writing-directing duo Clif Prowse and Derek Lee.

Full Review | Apr 3, 2014

Ambitious in scope and practically flawless in execution, Afflicted is good news for horror fans seeking something fresh and chilling from two impressively assured young filmmakers.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 3, 2014

Multiple shots are thrillingly disorienting without straying into incoherence-a tricky line to walk-and it's genuinely hard to tell whether certain effects [...] are practical or computer-generated.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.0/5 | Apr 3, 2014

...illustrates the full cycle of evolution that the genre has endured since it first creeped us out.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Apr 3, 2014

[Afflicted] evokes the escalating panic of a nightmare far better than the usual cheap horror film.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Apr 3, 2014

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Afflicted: film review.

Two best friends on a trip around the world get more than they bargained for in this found-footage horror film.

By THR Staff

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Afflicted Film Still - H 2014

The found-footage horror genre gets a much-needed shot in the arm with the auspicious debut feature by Derek Lee and Clif Prowse in which they also play the starring roles. Displaying a rare inventiveness and technical facility in this increasingly tired, cliche-ridden format, Afflicted delivers a genuinely suspenseful ride while making you wonder how its more elaborate effects were achieved on its obviously low budget.

The story concerns best friends Derek and Clif, who decide to take a yearlong trip together around the world. This being a found-footage film, the duo naturally intends to fully document their experiences in the form of an extensive video travelogue. Complicating their journey is the fact that just before they leave, Derek is diagnosed with a dangerous condition that could result in a fatal brain aneurysm at any time.

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‘Afflicted’ (2013) Movie Review – Toronto Film Festival

By Brad Brevet

Afflicted establishes itself as an MTV-esque travelogue as directors and stars Derek Lee and Clif Prowse (playing themselves) prepare to travel the world for a year and do whatever their audience suggests. Part of the reasoning behind the trip is because Derek is suffering from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his brain and instead of sitting around feeling sorry for himself he wants to make sure to live each and every day to its fullest. Clif is a wannabe filmmaker and documentarian so he packs up the gear and it’s off to Barcelona, where trouble soon befalls our two adventurers.

Things don’t go awry until Clif and a couple of friends make way for Paris where Derek finds a connection with a girl whom he takes back to his room. As the night wears on, Derek’s friends think it’s time to barge in on the fun, but upon entering his room they find Derek unconscious and bleeding with what looks like a bite mark on his left shoulder. He awakes, seemingly okay. Soon the travelogue turns into a video documenting Derek’s progress as he begins showing signs he’s becoming a vampire. Yes, it’s a vampire film and at 85 minutes it’s about an hour too long.

The visual and makeup effects are on par with a film such as Chronicle , which I couldn’t help but think of as Derek first finds out he’s gaining strength, speed and a variety of other abilities during his transformation. For a second I actually thought Derek was going to become some sort of vampire superhero, and I guess, in a way, he sort of does… sort of.

With the help of a good editor, Afflicted could be cut down to about 20 minutes or so and serve as a satisfying short in another V/H/S film if they make one. There’s a perfect moment where it could end at what must be around the 30 minute mark in the current cut (I didn’t check my watch), but with all the nonsense packed onto the final hour, and the way they keep the found footage concept alive it only gets worse and worse as it goes along.

Lee and Prowse are hardly talented actors and I can understand going the found footage route to keep costs down, but the cat is sort of out of the bag on this genre. As a short film this would have worked because then you’re not subjecting an audience to all the smoke and mirrors that comes with attempting an effective found footage feature. How many times do I need to see the light from the camcorder illuminating just a small portion of the night only so something just off screen can attempt to frighten me? Here it’s done at least three times, each worse than the next.

Afflicted is a small concept thriller that attempted to fake its way into becoming a feature film, but there just isn’t enough story to sustain 45 minutes let alone this movie’s miniscule 85 minute running time. About a third of the way through the film should have ended, it had run its course and could have come to a close with a satisfying, creepy and freakishly humorous conclusion as Derek proves killing himself is not the answer to his newfound vampire affliction. As the scene in question came to pass, the film faded to black and I thought to myself they had actually salvaged a film that was starting to go off the rails only to find out they weren’t looking to merely derail a few cars, but the entire train.

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Film Review: ‘Afflicted’

A nifty found-footage thriller that marks a promising debut for writing-directing duo Clif Prowse and Derek Lee.

By Justin Chang

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The overexposed found-footage gimmick is applied to the rather more durable vampire genre in “Afflicted,” a low-budget horror-thriller that’s resourceful enough to wring a few fresh chills from a slender premise and a less-than-novel formal conceit. Starring as two camera-wielding Canadian buddies whose trip around the world takes a most unwelcome supernatural turn, Clif Prowse and Derek Lee make a promising feature writing-directing debut with this fun and moderately freaky genre exercise, which proves weaker in the closing stretch than in its gradually unsettling buildup, but easily sustains attention until the end of its tight 85-minute running time. Likely to bite off its fair share of the homevid market following a limited theatrical run through CBS Films, this festival-lauded item augurs well for Prowse’s and Lee’s future projects.

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Named after the filmmakers playing them, longtime best friends Clif (Prowse) and Derek (Lee) decide to travel the world for a year — a globe-trotting adventure that Clif, a documentary filmmaker, plans to render as interactive and dynamic as possible by filming much of it and uploading their footage to a blog. The exhilarating “let’s do this!” tenor of the opening scenes is tempered slightly by the revelation that Derek has a brain aneurysm that could rupture at any moment, casting a faintly grim pall over an otherwise carefree transcontinental romp. Derek’s family is understandably concerned about his traveling given his condition, but he’s determined not to let it keep him from his once-in-a-lifetime adventure, even (or especially) if it turns out to be a last hurrah.

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It does and it doesn’t. After a few nights’ revelry in Barcelona and Paris, Prowse and Lee orchestrate a nicely chilling tonal shift in which a seemingly innocuous one-night stand with a French babe (Baya Rehaz) leaves Derek unconscious and bloodied. Although he comes to soon enough, he’s never quite himself after that: Moody and out of sorts, prone to taking long naps, and experiencing a decidedly violent change of appetite, he refuses to see a doctor despite the urgings of an increasingly concerned Clif. What follows suggests a cross between “An American Werewolf in London” and the ingenious 2012 found-footage thriller “Chronicle,” and there is no shortage of wicked, stinging moments as Clif and Derek’s attempts to resume their vacation plans go horrifically awry. But there also turn out to be unexpected advantages to Derek’s condition, as he develops superhuman strength, agility and speed, as well as a Spider-Man-like ability to clamber up the sides of buildings.

Indeed, much of the pleasure of “Afflicted” comes from the Spidey-like sight of Derek adjusting to, and gradually mastering, his newfound abilities. In one of the story’s shrewder strokes, this metamorphosis unfolds mainly against the gorgeous, sparsely populated villages of Liguria, on Italy’s northwestern coast — a suitably scenic and secluded backdrop that triggers, among other things, Derek’s sudden aversion to sunlight, while the cobblestoned streets and shuttered windows allow for a few cleverly executed parkour-style stunts. The digital effects are well woven into the film’s deliberately cheap-looking, handheld-video aesthetic (well served by Norm Li’s lensing and Gregory Ng’s editing), and if anything, the economical nature of the enterprise has the effect of rendering its minor stunts all the more impressive: An unbroken handheld take from the p.o.v. of Derek, jumping out a window into the street below, induces a genuine how’d-they-do-that curiosity.

Fortunately, the filmmakers have applied themselves to developing the scenario emotionally as well as physically. Prowse affectingly conveys not only Clif’s increasing fear and concern, but also a true friend’s willingness to help satiate Derek’s growing bloodlust, while Lee, in addition to giving himself over to all manner of violent bodily convulsions (with a key assist from makeup designer Tamar Ouziel), provides a crucial sense of a decent guy trying to resist his worst impulses. But he’s less convincing when required to give an occasional direct-address monologue explaining why the cameras are still rolling, and it’s here that “Afflicted,” like so many films that shackle themselves to mock-doc conceits, begins to falter. Once Derek comes fully into his powers, capable of being temporarily wounded but more or less invincible, the tension and uncertainty of the film’s first half give way to a string of gory setpieces that bring the tale to a neat if not entirely surprising resolution.

Reviewed online, Pasadena, April 2, 2014. (In 2013 Toronto Film Festival; 2013 Fantastic Fest.) Running time: 85 MIN.

Production: (Canada-U.S.) A CBS Films (in U.S.) release of an Entertainment One, IM Global and Automatik presentation of an Oddfellows Entertainment production, in association with Magali Film and Panorama Films, with the participation of Telefilm Canada. Produced by Chris Ferguson, Zach Lipovsky. Executive producers, Jason Dowdeswell, Stuart Ford, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Zak Pashak.
Crew: Directed, written by Clif Prowse, Derek Lee. Camera (Deluxe color, HD), Norm Li; editor, Gregory Ng; music, Edo Van Breemen; production designer, Courtney Stockstad; costume designer, Stockstad; sound (Dolby Digital), Ng, Jarret Read; sound designer, Eric J. Paul; re-recording mixer, Brody Ratsoy; special effects coordinators, David Barkes, Brant McIlroy; visual effects supervisor, James Rorick; visual effects producer, Adele Venables; visual effects, Image Engine, Encore, Leviathan; makeup designer, Tamar Ouziel; stunt coordinator, Lauro Chartrand; associate producer, Andrew Levine; second unit directors, Trevor Addie, Brian Ho; casting, Kara Eide.
With: Clif Prowse, Derek Lee, Baya Rehaz, Benjamin Zeitoun, Zach Gray, Edo Van Breemen. (English, French, Italian dialogue)

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Film review: afflicted (2013).

The Black Saint 03/24/2018 Uncategorized

Two best friends see their trip of a lifetime take a dark turn when one of them is struck by a mysterious affliction. Now, in a foreign land, they race to uncover the source before it consumes him completely.

It’s no secret that I’m not what you might call an aficionado of films in the found footage genre. There have been a few decent enough ones since The Blair Witch Project debuted back in 1999, but only a few. I’m of the opinion that most people think they’re way to easy to make and it seems like there are at least five new ones clogging Redbox machines & your local cable network’s VOD channel each and every week. So I’m not gonna lie to you and say I was particularly excited to have to sit through the latest entry into the found footage canon – Afflicted . But every so often, the sun shines on a dog’s ass and I’m here to tell you that this one delivers the goods!

Afflicted-Movie-2013-Clif-Prowse-Derek-Lee-4

Written, directed & starring Clif Prowse and Derek Lee , Afflicted is the story of a pair of lifelong friends (Who just happen to be named Clif & Derek) and their decision to embark on a journey around the globe. Their plan is to document everywhere they go and everything they do on the internet for the world to see. They plan to take a year to do all this but when Derek gets diagnosed with a possibly fatal brain condition before they leave, it becomes even more imperative for the duo to get their adventure started.

Afflicted-Movie-2013-Clif-Prowse-Derek-Lee-5

So (against the wishes of Derek’s family), the globe hopping duo start their trek in Europe. Initially all seems to be going well for the guys, they meet up with a couple of friends and get to act like a couple of silly tourists for awhile. Of course, being two single men on the prowl in Europe means hooking up with attractive women and Derek manages to do just that, hooking up with a looker named Audrey ( Baya Rehaz ) in Paris. Shortly after Derek absconds with Audrey to a room for some privacy, Clif decides it would be a funny thing to bust into the room where the canoodling is taking place with his camera rolling but when he opens the bedroom door he finds Derek laying in bed, bleeding from wounds to his head & arm. Audrey is nowhere to be found. After refusing to go to the hospital to be looked at, Derek proclaims that he’s none the worse for wear and their journey continues. But something is very wrong with Derek, Audrey has left Derek with an affliction that’s changing him both mentally & physically. And the time left to find a cure for whatever is ailing him is growing short.

Afflicted-Movie-2013-Clif-Prowse-Derek-Lee-3

That’s about as much of the plot of Afflicted that I can share with you! This is the kind of film that’s way too easy to spoil since it’s main plot device isn’t particularly deep or even especially original. Trust me when I tell you that you’ve probably seen more than a few flicks with similar storylines to this one, but what makes this movie stand out so well is the manner in which both Prowse & Lee approach the material. By making this a found footage film they breathe new life into a hoary, well worn premise. And they do themselves a big favor by giving it the look and feel of another successful found footage film from a few years back, Chronicle (2012). As a matter of fact it’s kind of hard to believe that this film began shooting before Chronicle was even released, they look so similar to each other but that’s the story the producers are sticking with and I’ve no reason not to believe them.

Afflicted-Movie-2013-Clif-Prowse-Derek-Lee-2

What Afflicted does better than every found footage film I’ve ever seen is sell its story. Despite the more fantastic elements that come into play as the film progresses, it never once felt unbelievable to me. Both Prowse & Lee play extremely likable characters as well and since they’re literally in every frame of the film that’s a very good thing, it’s hard to root against either one of them. As Derek’s problems manifest themselves into something you could call “ Super Powers “, the similarities to Chronicle become even more pronounced and thankfully the special effect work is really well done. There were actually a few instances during which I thought to myself “How did they pull that off?”, especially with what had to be a small budget. The film isn’t especially gory but when the blood does flow, it flows heavily. And it has a few really nasty, icky moments reminiscent of last year’s Contracted that’ll have you squirming in your seat.

What this film does is take elements of the aforementioned films and add in a few key components of its own to give it an identity of its own. Sadly those key components aren’t very original but don’t hold that against Afflicted , it looks great, sounds great, has two really good central performances in it and is really frightening in a few key moments to boot! There were moments where I jumped so high I nearly raised a lump on the top of my head from hitting my living room ceiling (It’s a GREAT film to watch in the dark. Trust me on that one). That’s something else Afflicted does better than just about every found footage film I’ve ever seen – it’s freaking scary!

Afflicted-Movie-2013-Clif-Prowse-Derek-Lee-1

Despite the stench of not being terribly original that lingers over it, Afflicted does everything else so damned well that I think it’s the best found footage I’ve ever seen. It’s just a great popcorn movie that breathes new life into the genre and I’m truly looking forward to what Prowse & Lee have up their sleeves next (It does leave itself open for a sequel at the end). I might be jumping the gun a bit when I say this but as of right now it’s one of the best horror films I’ve seen this year.

Afflicted in now available on bluray per Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Afflicted – 4.5 out of 5 shrouds.

Tags Afflicted Clif Prowse Derek Lee Edo Van Breemen Gary Redekop Jason Lee Lily Py Lee Michael Gill Zach Gray

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One comment.

Just got a copy of this. Good review! Stoked for this. Been reading lots of positive buzz. Gonna try to get it in by next week. Thanks man!

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Zach Lipovsky, Sharlene Royer, Benjamin Zeitoun, Derek Lee, Ulysse de Gregorio, Baya Rehaz, and Tasya Teles in Afflicted (2013)

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Afflicted Review

*Please note that this review will contain spoilers. If you want to be 100% shocked by Afflicted , please turn away now and watch this breathtaking bit of indie horror gold.

Every once and a while an inventive film comes along that redefines a genre. For me, that movie was Chronicle , a “found footage” superhero movie mixing elements of psychological suspense with astounding camera work and truly gripping storytelling – a welcome curveball amidst so many spandex wearing super-humans. People scoffed at another “found footage” flick, but Josh Trank and Max Landis proved haters wrong.

Question of the day – could the horror genre ever see such an equally mesmerizing affair? Spoiler alert – yes. Enter filmmakers Derek Lee and Clif Prowse, two friends with some pro camera equipment and a hatred for current vampire boredom – fanged saviors fighting the horror good fight.

Following Derek (Lee) and Cliff (Prowse) on a year-long international vacation, the beginning of our film is a little bit of a buddy travel comedy of sorts. We learn that Derek has been diagnosed with a disease that could end his life at any moment, which makes his family skeptical about being abroad for a full year, but Derek instead sees his affliction as a motivator to live life to the fullest. As their trip goes on, Derek starts showing signs of some type of sickness, which Cliff immediately assumes has to do with Derek’s longstanding condition, but newer symptoms start suggesting something different. Getting worse and worse, Cliff begs Derek to seek medical attention, but the friends continue on their journey only on Derek’s insisting – until turning into something sinister.

As a horror fan who watches A LOT of horror, it takes something special to get me excited, yet Afflicted managed to scare AND excite me through our filmmaker’s gritty, hypnotic, and raw interpretation of vampiric lore. Without knowing any plot details, I expected an average, run-of-the-mill body horror film, but being caught so off-guard gave a thrilling jolt of euphoria as I slowly realized we weren’t getting zombies, plagues, or flesh-eating viruses. Prowse and Lee stay extremely simple, yet approach vampire transformations in a fresh, new, and groundbreaking way that makes us forget the years of sparkly, love-struck emo wussies who would have been torn in two by the beasts in Afflicted .

Approaching the “found footage” genre, recent watches like Happy Camp had me down on the format, but consider my support re-kindled once again by beautiful cinematography and clear, crisp pictures. No swirling cameramen trying to give us motion sickness – Afflicted makes brilliant use of dream tech gear and shoots a better movie for it. First person camera angles aren’t used to manipulate audiences into believing they’re terrified, instead pacing like an action movie where Derek continually tests his abilities while Cliff watches with astonishment. Once the true vampire work kicks in, audiences are treated to a horror rollercoaster of sorts as Derek fully transforms and straps one of Cliff’s cameras on – heightening already existent levels of fun as V/H/S/2 did by strapping a Go-Pro to a zombie. Fans swayed by “found footage” exploitation need not avoid this flick simply because of the shooting style – Afflicted is a rare “found footage” treat full of life…and death.

Newcomer Derek Lee carries Afflicted only because he’s the one slowly turning into a vampire – a feral, vicious, grotesquely scary vampire with pulsing veins, dead eyes, and a wicked mean streak that Lee plays to perfection. Contorting his body and creeping about the night, certain camera angles catch Derek in all his horror glory, as Lee commands the screen with a noteworthy performance that brings vampires back into the vicious spotlight such creatures once ruled. Clif Prowse plays well with Derek, but he’s merely a cameraman as Derek throws himself into seizures, lurks in the shadows, and embraces full fight sequences all with the same fervent grace. What a turn by these young horror bucks.

Maybe you’re questioning the visual aesthetics of an indie horror movie, worried limited budgeting would ruin practical effects work? Wrong again, kiddo. Afflicted is full of blood slurping, throat ripping, head bashing, and true vampire grossness that comes along with opening people up like a tasty Capri-Sun. Our actors get elbow deep in a vampire world brave enough to show these monsters for who they are – murderous killers feeding off the living for sustenance. That doesn’t sound like a clean hobby now, does it? Praise be carnivorous practical effects work and spurting gallons of fake blood, oozing every ounce of camera friendly gore possible – so much that the lens has to be wiped every so often.

Afflicted won’t only be one of the best indie horror films of 2014, but there’s no doubt in my mind it’ll go down as one of the best horror movies of 2014. Honestly, Prowse and Lee have created one of the best vampire movies I’ve seen in years, undoing countless Twilight knockoffs that de-fanged such a famous genre. Vamps finally have their bite back, unconventionally saved by a “found footage” subgenre floundering enough by itself. Talk about the balls it takes to reinvent not only one horror subgenre, but two! Kudos my friends, kudos on making a non-stop horror thrill ride for adrenaline junkies and scare lovers to soak in like glorious rays of warm, comforting sunlight – which I happily embrace as I’ve yet to be turned vampiric. Stay thirsty, my friends.

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Rotten tomatoes® score.