Found footage films have become a part of the cinematic world, and no genre loves using the technique more than horror. Popularized both in the late 90s by The Blair Witch Project, and even earlier with Ruggero Deodato’s 1980 cult classic Cannibal Holocaust, found footage is a trope that adds a level of realism to various films. This trope is used once again in 2020’s Godforsaken.
The film doesn’t pull any punches, as it begins at a wake where the recently deceased Lisa Harris (Melie Rondeau) rises from her coffin. For its credit, Godforsaken gets to the eerie weirdness almost immediately. Lisa's acquaintance Chad (Chad Tailor), an aspiring filmmaker (how terribly convenient!) captures this on either his phone or a camera. Yes, this man is filming in church.
The found footage aspect obviously needs a cameraman, and it is slightly absurd that Chad wouldn’t be kicked out of the service, but witnessing Lisa rise from the dead within the first six minutes is a genuine terror. Chad decides to make a documentary (the film-within-a-film trope may seem confusing to some) about what occurred. The newly-revived Lisa can heal the sick, but also has a penchant for eating raw meat. And pets and other animals. The townspeople soon become enamored with her, reaching a cult-like fervor despite the unnatural nature of her abilities.
Godforsaken also suffers from the erratic, almost nauseating shaky cam shots of the found footage genre. While adding a sense of realism, it can dissuade viewers. The ending is also muddled, as it combines elements of cult films with zombie-like gore. Still, despite the title, there is some salvation to be found as Tailor and Rondeau deliver stellar performances. The film would work for fans of the horror genre, as well as those interested in library presentations about small-town life and crises of faith.