Followers: Slow burning found footage horror film

Followers synopsis and cast

Followers is a 2021 British-found footage horror film directed by Marcus Harben, starring Harry Jarvis, Loreece Harrison, Nina Wadia and Erin Austene. The movie follows two social media influencers, Mark (played by Harry Jarvis) and Orla (played by Loreece Harrison), who decide to go on a weekend trip to an isolated cabin in the woods to create content for their followers. They soon encounter a mysterious figure who starts to stalk and torment them, trapping them in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Mark and Orla are the main characters of the film, with Nina Wadia and Erin Austene playing supporting roles. The movie explores themes of obsession, the dark side of social media and the price of fame in the digital age. As the tension builds, Mark and Orla’s friendship is put to the test as they fight for survival against their unknown tormentor. Followers has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the scares and tension, while others criticized the overuse of found footage tropes.

The film has both strengths and weaknesses. Let’s discuss them in detail:

Strengths:

• Tension and suspense: The movie successfully creates an atmosphere of tension and suspense, keeping the audience engaged and on edge throughout the film.
• Acting: The performances of the actors, particularly Harry Jarvis and Loreece Harrison, are strong and convincing. They bring a sense of authenticity to their characters, making the audience care about their plight.
• Effective use of found footage style: The movie uses the found footage style effectively, immersing the audience in the action and creating a sense of realism.

Weaknesses:

• Overreliance on cliches: The movie falls into the trap of using too many horror movie cliches, such as the isolated cabin in the woods and the mysterious figure stalking the protagonists.
• Underdeveloped supporting characters: Nina Wadia and Erin Austene’s characters are not fully developed, leaving the audience with a lack of investment in their fates.
• Predictable plot: The movie’s plot is predictable, with few surprises or twists that keep the audience engaged.

The film has some notable production values. Let’s evaluate some of these aspects in detail:

Cinematography:
The film’s cinematography is well-done, particularly given the limitations of the found footage style. The camerawork is shaky and chaotic at times, which adds to the sense of unease and chaos in the story. There are also some effective uses of lighting and framing to create tension and suspense, particularly in the scenes set at night.

Visual Effects:
As a found footage film, Followers does not rely heavily on visual effects. However, there are some practical effects that are well-executed, particularly the use of makeup and prosthetics to create the appearance of injuries and wounds on the characters.

Sound Design:
The sound design of Followers is one of its strongest aspects. The use of sound effects, particularly in the scenes where the mysterious figure is stalking the characters, is effective in creating a sense of dread and anticipation. The film’s score also complements the action on screen, heightening the tension and emotion in key moments.

Followers production values are strong, with notable contributions from its cinematography, visual effects and sound design. While the found footage style can sometimes limit the film’s visual scope, the filmmakers have made creative and effective choices within those constraints. The sound design, in particular, is a standout element that helps to enhance the movie’s overall effectiveness as a horror film.

Here’s an exclusive clip from Terror Films, the folks that brought us Hell House, LLC:

Followers: The last word

Followers is a horror film that employs a slow-burning style of pacing, which may not appeal to all viewers. The film spends a considerable amount of time building atmosphere and developing its characters, which can make it feel slow or uneventful at times. However, this pacing approach can also be effective in creating a sense of dread and tension, as seen in the film’s use of found footage and realistic performances.

For instance, the film’s opening scene features a group of friends exploring an abandoned building, which sets the tone for the rest of the movie. The slow, deliberate pacing builds suspense as the characters begin to uncover strange and unsettling occurrences within the building and the use of found footage gives the film a realistic and immersive quality.

While some viewers may find the film’s pacing too slow, others appreciate the slow-burn approach, as it allows for a more gradual and nuanced exploration of the characters and their experiences. For example, the film’s main character, a social media influencer named Alice, is portrayed as both ambitious and vulnerable, as she struggles to balance her desire for fame with her sense of morality.

Overall, Followers is a film that prioritizes atmosphere and character development over jump scares and action, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, the film’s slow-burning approach can be effective in creating tension and suspense, as seen in its use of found footage and realistic performances, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of horror films that prioritize atmosphere and character development.

Followers Official trailer

Are you a fan of found footage films? Which is your favorite found footage film? Tell us about it in the comments section.