Ever felt like you’re being watched? Well, 13 Cameras is bound to make this feeling much more intense – and in the most creepy way

Neville Archambault is perfect in this film. Full stop! If I met him on the street tomorrow – very unlikely, but still – then I would no doubt feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand immediately. My face was contorted into a series of very disgusted looks, and I do mean this as a huge compliment to 13 Cameras. To me, this is one of the creepiest movies of the year for the simple reason that it’s way too realistic.

13 Cameras poster slumlordArchambault plays Gerald, the creepy landlord – or Slumlord, which was the original title of the movie – and does so with such conviction, that he really should win at least a couple of awards for this role. I found myself just staring at his face, and watching his reaction with both disgust and complete fascination!

Actually, everyone works really great in their respective roles, and all the characters are multi-faceted so we get to see their good and bad sides. Even Gerald, as he’s a total sucker for the family dog. However, even though the entire cast does an awesome job, you will be left remembering Neville Archambault’s portrait of Gerald the most. Though you’d probably prefer to forget.

The plot of 13 Cameras is very simple, and the story might be a slow burner, but it’s pretty damn hot from the beginning. And just like it was the case with 10 Cloverfield Lane, I have a feeling women will relate much more to several scenes in this film. And there is no way in HELL I would be alone in my home with a guy like Gerald. Still, part of the fascinating thing in this movie, is the fact that I found myself feeling a little guilty for judging this man so harshly, because it’s primarily based on his scary look and demeanor.



We all know that psychos come in all shapes, from the charming Ted Bundy and Norman Bates [yes, I do realize one of the two is a real life person] to the Joseph Fritzl and Gerald types [see what I did there?]. But really, Gerald could just be a bit of a weirdo without actually being dangerous. However, he absolutely is dangerous! And it’s obvious just how very nasty he is, from very early on. Also, be sure you have an extra toothbrush in the house, because you’ll want a new one after watching 13 Cameras. Just sayin’!

Directed and written by Victor Zarcoff, 13 Cameras marks his debut on both counts, which is nothing short of amazing. This is a fully fleshed horror movie of the best kind, and without any real special effects or use of supernatural or paranormal elements. I was completely hooked on this story from the first scene to the very last frame. I can’t wait to see what Zarcoff has in store for us next, but I sure hope I’ll find out soon. His character, Gerald, is one of the creepiest – and most realistic – horror villains, I’ve seen in a long time!

13 Cameras is out in limited release and on demand from April 15.

Details

Director: Victor Zarcoff
Writer: Victor Zarcoff
Cast: Neville Archambault, Sarah Baldwin, Sean Carrigan

Plot

Claire and Ryan, a newlywed couple, move into a new house across the country, only to find out that their marital issues are the least of their problems. Unbeknownst to them, their grim and lascivious landlord has been spying on them from day one

https://youtu.be/tmMctRWdg0s

I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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