REC - The most original zombie film ever (Rec (DVD))

Member Name: jet92

Product:	Rec (DVD)
Date:	14/09/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Terrifying, intense and engaging

Disadvantages: Can't think of any

REC is a Spanish zombie-horror movie directed by Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza. It runs in a documentary/blair witch project style and follows reporter Angela Vidal and her off-screen cameraman Pablo. Angela and Pablo intend to report on firemen who are working a nightshift, but this turns awry when they get trapped inside a quarantined apartment block with a gang of confused residents, ignorant policemen and a contagious virus that turns people into violent folk with a tendency to bite.

As far as handheld camera movies go (Cloverfield, Blair Witch etc.) this is the most superior. Careful thought has gone into each angle and movement to ensure that the film has all the realism of an actual documentary.

I'm not fluent in Spanish at all, but I get the distinct impression that the cast of characters are doing a great job. The acting and the reactions are very believable, which adds to the eeriness of it all. It's only about two thirds into the film (which, in its entirety, is barely over an hour) before blunt objects are picked up and bashed into heads accordingly. The humanity and sense of panic of the characters is so much more believable than any other "zombie" movie I've seen before.

The story is simple and riveting, and about ten minutes into the film there is already a feeling of impending doom. There are many shocking, brown-pant moments throughout and the tension is so intense you start to believe that your own home is under quarantine. The sense of claustrophobia that runs through out really does make the film that bit more horrifying.

I have tried to find a flaw in this film, but I can't. The ending is slightly cliché and the blood is a bit of an odd colour (but the gore is regulated and also believable) but that's honestly its only vice. I recommend this to any horror fanatic, because this film (when watched in a dark room, on your own) can be truly terrifying.

Summary: Watch this film. Now.