The Blair Witch Project

Cast: Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams

Director: Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez

Release Date: 1999

Running Time: 1hr 21 minutes

Genre: Horror/Found footage

Rating: 15

Format: Amazon Prime UK

Synopsis:

Three film students dissapear in a forest in Maryland, after trying to film a documentary on the local Blair Witch legend, however all that is found is their footage. 

Heather, Joshua and Michael take to the forests of Maryland to film a documentary about the legend of the Blair Witch, when they find themselves lost. Before long spooky things begin to happen the deeper they explore the forest in search of an ancient witch. This film essentially marked the beginning for found footage movies. As predictable as the story may sound, it sparked numerous amount of theories over the years, many were led to believe that the film was a real documentary. After the films release, teenagers flocked to Maryland in hope of finding the Blair Witch.

Starring Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams, for the most part they each deliver very convincing performances. Directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez have not only delivered a very genuine film, but written a terrific storyline that allows the audience to keep guessing. There are two ways of looking at the movie, one being that they are really being followed by the legend of the Blair Witch, or two it's all an elaborate hoax, that somebody is following them the whole time making them believe what is happening to them is actually real.

The emotion that is delivered from Heather, Joshua and Michael, not only allows you to feel their fear but to sympathise with them. They're lost, their scared, their angry, miles from home. Their responses are very real and genuine and make you believe that what is happening to them is very much real. Are they getting cabin fever? Have they been in the woods that long, they're simply going insane? Imagining things? The most fantastic element about the film is that it is not what you see that scares, but what you don't see? The sound effects are what really bring this movie together.

Although the film is looking a little bit dated now, having been filmed eighteen years ago. It is certainly one of the better looking found footage films out there, that not only allows you to connect with the characters, but to be entertained too. The idea to film in Maryland was an excellent choice, it heightens the atmosphere for the film. Although it is never mentioned, it is thought that the film was shot close to Halloween due to the decorations in one of the shop windows during the opening shot. Could it simply be just a bunch of kids messing with their minds?

Surprisingly entertaining.

4/5 stars