Found footage is a horror subgenre born in the early 1980s and popularised in the late 90s that managed to become one of the most renowned yet highly criticized filming techniques of the last 40 years. Often characterized by amateurish camera work and lack of editing, viewers are easily engrossed by the adrenaline-inducing setting that is supposedly depicting real life, not fiction.
Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
The genre has made its debut with Ruggero Deodato’s rather gruesome and graphic depiction of the interaction between American archeologists and cannibalistic tribes of the Amazon rainforest. A social commentary on modern civilization and colonialism that, in spite of Deodato’s pioneristic innovation, the rather controversial nature of the film—depicting sexual assault and animal violence—prompted the local authorities into seizing the footage, and arresting the director pending obscenity charges. The film is currently banned in 50 countries. However, regardless of its dark beginning and demonization, the style of filmmaking ended up achieving mass popularity thanks to the next film on our list.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Three film students are intent on collecting information in relation to Elly Kedward—also known as "The Blair Witch"—who was executed in 1785 for practicing witchcraft. When the film first hit the theatres, due to the realistic portrayal of events and the work purposely being introduced as an academic investigation gone horribly wrong, viewers all around the world were legitimately bamboozled into thinking that the eerie depictions witnessed on the screen were in fact real. It was expected that the disturbing hype would carry on to the ’00s. The low production costs, documentary style, and an exponentially growing acceptance of amateurish techniques have made the found footage genre incredibly enticing to a lot of filmmakers, indirectly turning the filming approach into a de facto symbol of Millennial horror.
Paranormal Activity (2007)
Oren Peli’s perpetuates the lore behind the genre by portraying what seems like a lingering, infesting demon in a quiet suburban home. A young Californian couple, while in the process of settling into their new residence, begin to perceive the presence of something not quite so benign. They soon discover that antagonizing a powerful and occult presence is probably not the best idea.
Trollhunter (2010)
Aside from the American film industry, which has deftly contributed to the popularisation of the subgenre, I would be remiss if I did not underline the relevance of Scandinavian cinema within the realms of found footage. Andre Ovredal has effectively consolidated the filming style in the 2010s. The flick centers on three Norwegian film students running an investigation on the inexplicable killing of bears in the area. After teaming up with a local bear-hunter, the researchers inexorably start to grasp the horrifying truth behind it. A brilliant, jump-scare commentary on the dark side of folktales and legendary creatures.
Host (2020)
Last but not least—and probably one of the few good things coming of this current pandemic—Rob Savage’s Host. During a remote spirit session, a group of friends mistakenly end up summoning a demonic presence. What seemed like a good way of keeping themselves entertained, an experience that could have strengthened their bond while in lockdown, turns out to be pure nightmare fuel. Savage’s film successfully manages to expand the found footage genre to a post-pandemic world.