Polaroid (3/5) – Movie Review

POLAROID is a horror movie by Child’s Play (2019) director Lars Klevberg. So far, the movie has been years in the making (and practically shelved), but as of February 9, 2020, it’s out on Netflix in several countries. Read why you might want to seek it out in our Polaroid review here.

Polaroid is a new horror movie based on the short film from 2015. Instead of being released as planned, Polaroid has ended up in some weird kind of release limbo. You can buy it on DVD in some countries, watch it On Demand in others and, finally, it’s even being released in theaters in other countries.

From February 9, 2020, it’s out on Netflix in several countries where it will finally reach a larger audience. 

We managed to catch a screening of Polaroid during a trip to Sweden, where it’s out in normal theatrical release. Of course, the movie is directed by a fellow Scandinavian (Norwegian, not Swedish).

Also, the director just had another movie of his come out with pretty great reviews, so maybe that’s why. Read more in our Polaroid review below.

A classic horror plot

Basically, Polaroid has a very classic horror plot. It’s not unlike that of Final Destination or Truth or Dare. Basically, once you’ve done one thing, a curse has been placed and you can’t really fight it.

Without saying too much, I will say that one of the pivotal scene is actually pretty cool and the main character reminded me of Arya from Game of Thrones. Now that is never a bad comparison.

During the plot development of Polaroid, you will probably be annoyed more than once. And I can’t blame you because I was too. There is too much that is never truly explained and I cannot for the life of me understand the shape of the Polaroid ghost or demon. It makes no real sense to me.

Fortunately, it isn’t necessary for the movie to be entertaining – but it would have made it better.

A strong young cast makes it work

While the plot is very classic, the same can be said for both the characters and the cast. But, of course, that’s what you expect and want from this kind of movie.

First, we have the brilliant Javier Botet as “the entity”. As always, Javier Botet brings exactly the kind of surreal creepiness needed to make a character truly scary. Even if I don’t entirely get the reason for this entity ever excisting since it feels like a reward rather than a punishment. You’ll know what I mean when you watch Polaroid. 

You might also like: Our article “Javier Botet – Horror Movement Actor” which you can read here >

When it comes to the core cast of Polaroid, we have some very strong names attached. The main protagonist, Bird, is portrayed by Kathryn Prescott. She had the title role in the Finding Carter TV series, but personally I know her first and foremost from the brilliant British TV series Skins. Currently, she is also in the AMC series The Son starring Pierce Brosnan.

Alongside her, we have Tyler Young (Eyewitness), Samantha Logan (Teen Wolf), Keenan Tracey (Bates Motel) and Davi Santos (Tell Me a Story).

Watch Polaroid on Netflix now!

Polaroid is directed by Norwegian director, Lars Klevberg, who also made the short film of the same name back in 2015 (watch the short film here). While Polaroid is actually his feature film debut, most people will probably see his second feature film first.

His second feature film is Child’s Play which is of course a reboot of the classic horror franchise. We loved this reboot and that movie is probably the reason why his first feature film is finally being released through various outlets now.

While Lars Klevberg wrote the script for the short film, the feature film version is based on a screenplay by Blair Butler. This should sound good to most horror fans since he also wrote the horror movie Hell Fest (2018). To us, Hell Fest was a wonderful surprise since we didn’t expect much from it and got a real treat nonetheless. 

Don’t miss: Our review of the little horror treat Hell Fest here >

Polaroid doesn’t deliver the same sweet horror surprise, but it is definitely an interesting idea – even if the concept feels very familiar. It’s certainly worth checking out once you get the chance.

Polaroid was originally released On Demand, DVD and Blu-ray in various countries – or you could catch it in a movie theater. It’s the strangest “non-release release” we’ve encountered in recent years. Polaroid was out in select theaters and on VOD in the US from September 17, 2019.

UPDATE: Polaroid is out on Netflix in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia from February 9, 2020.

Details

Director: Lars Klevberg
Writer: Blair Butler
Stars: Kathryn Prescott, Tyler Young, Samantha Logan, Javier Botet, Mitch Pileggi, Keenan Tracey, Madelaine Petsch

Plot

High school loner Bird Fitcher has no idea what dark secrets are tied to the mysterious Polaroid vintage camera she stumbles upon, but it doesn’t take long to discover that those who have their picture taken meet a tragic end.