Grave Encounters (2011) – A Terrifying Descent into Paranormal Madness
Horror Movies on Amazon Prime NOW- Halloween 2023 – #28
Get ready for a spine-tingling October! As Halloween approaches in 2023, there’s no better way to celebrate the season of scares than by diving into a curated list of horror movies that will send shivers down your spine. But not just any horror movies – we’ve put together a chilling selection of films currently available for free on Amazon Prime, and even one that you can watch on Freevee with a few commercials thrown in.
Now, before we get into the eerie details, let’s establish the ground rules. If you’re like me and prefer your horror without the gruesome torture scenes found in movies like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” then you’re in the right place. We’ll be steering clear of those.
Speaking of preferences, I have a soft spot for classics like “Event Horizon” (1997), “Halloween” (1978), “Trick ‘r Treat” (2007), and the timeless “Night of the Living Dead” (1990). If these films send chills down your spine too, you’re in for a treat because our list is filled with movies that capture that same spine-tingling essence.
Now, here’s a little surprise I stumbled upon while preparing this list – it seems the “found footage” genre has quite the presence this year. Don’t let that discourage you, though, because the entries on this list are handpicked as great horror movies, even in an oversaturated subgenre. And for those of you who, like me, weren’t thrilled by “Cloverfield” (2008) or “The Blair Witch Project” (1999), fear not – those two won’t make an appearance here.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re still hungry for horror after devouring this list, don’t forget to check out my “Watch List” on Amazon Prime for additional chilling suggestions.
The Horror Movies are released from the humorous, starting October 1st, to the scariest, being released on October 31st.
October 1st: A Hauntingly Hilarious Start
We kick off our Halloween Horror List with a touch of humor. On October 1st, prepare for some spine-tingles mixed with laughter as we delve into horror-comedies that will tickle your funny bone while sending shivers down your spine.
October 7th: A Dash of Dark Humor
As we move deeper into October, the scares intensify, but the humor doesn’t fade away entirely. On October 7th, we have a selection of films that strike a balance between humor and horror, offering a unique cinematic experience.
October 15th: Unsettling and Eerie
As we approach the middle of the month, things start to get a bit more unsettling. On October 15th, we delve into movies that will leave you feeling eerie, playing with your senses and building anticipation for the horrors yet to come.
October 22nd: Treading into the Terror Zone
By October 22nd, it’s time to turn up the fright factor. These films will push you to the edge of your seat, with scares that linger long after the credits roll. Brace yourselves for a night of true terror.
October 31st: Halloween Nightmares
Finally, on the spookiest night of the year, October 31st, we present the grand finale – the scariest of the lot. These movies are not for the faint of heart; they’re designed to make your Halloween truly unforgettable. Prepare for nightmares as we close out our list with a bang.
With this organized approach, you can pick your poison each day, starting with humor and gradually progressing to the ultimate scares as Halloween night approaches. Get ready for a month filled with cinematic thrills and chills!
And the cherry on top? At the end of each post, I’ll reveal the next movie that will be reviewed, so make sure to check in daily as we count down to Halloween. Prepare to be scared, thrilled, and thoroughly spooked as we journey through the world of horror cinema this October. Let’s get started!
Grave Encounters (2011)
“Grave Encounters” (2011), directed by The Vicious Brothers, is a found-footage horror film that capitalizes on the popularity of paranormal reality TV shows. While it effectively builds tension and delivers some genuinely creepy moments, it ultimately struggles to break free from the conventions of the genre.
The film follows a team of reality TV ghost hunters led by the charismatic Lance Preston (Sean Rogerson). Eager to capture evidence of the supernatural, they decide to investigate the abandoned Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital, a decaying and ominous institution with a dark history. As night falls and they begin their investigation, the team quickly realizes that they may have bitten off more than they can chew, as they become trapped inside the haunted hospital with malevolent forces.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its atmosphere and tension-building. The setting of the derelict psychiatric hospital is inherently creepy, and the filmmakers make the most of it by employing claustrophobic camera work and unsettling sound design. The gradual escalation of paranormal activity and the sense of isolation add to the overall sense of dread.
“Grave Encounters” plays on the tropes of reality TV ghost hunting shows, effectively satirizing their sensationalism and skepticism. The film’s characters initially approach their investigation with skepticism but are soon faced with undeniable evidence of the supernatural, leading to a descent into madness and terror.
The performances by the cast, particularly Sean Rogerson as Lance Preston, are serviceable, and the characters are developed just enough to make the audience care about their fate. The film’s found-footage format is used effectively to create a sense of immediacy and authenticity.
However, “Grave Encounters” struggles with some of the common pitfalls of the found-footage genre. The shaky camera work and dimly lit scenes can be disorienting and make it difficult to follow the action at times. Additionally, the film leans heavily on jump scares and predictable horror tropes, which may disappoint viewers seeking a more original or psychologically driven horror experience.
The final act of the film, while intense, descends into chaotic and confusing sequences that may leave some viewers frustrated. The resolution is also somewhat ambiguous, leaving many questions unanswered.
In conclusion, “Grave Encounters” (2011) is a serviceable found-footage horror film that effectively builds tension and delivers some eerie moments. It offers an interesting take on the reality TV ghost hunting genre and satirizes its conventions. While it may not reinvent the wheel in the found-footage subgenre, it provides enough scares and atmosphere to entertain horror enthusiasts looking for a spooky thrill. If you enjoy the format and are willing to suspend some disbelief, “Grave Encounters” is worth a watch for its creepy premise and descent into paranormal madness.
3D Print
Another functional print, now we use smart phone for low budget recording/ photography, this Camera Phone Stand by blincoln on Thingiverse is another easy print.
Find the STL HERE
Find the filament I used HERE
Settings:
Tree supports for the handle part. Infill 20%, Nozzle 0.6mm
Next Halloween Movie #29: V/H/S (2012)
