*Bodycam* feels like suffering through a 75-minute anxiety attack. I thought "found footage" films had lost their ability to shock me. Then I watched Brandon Christensen’s chilling new movie and was reminded of the power this horror subgenre possesses when executed correctly.
Most found footage films struggle to devise a convincing reason why characters keep their cameras rolling amidst terrifying and potentially life-threatening circumstances. This film offers a perfect solution: all the action is captured by the body cameras worn by two police officers.
Director: Brandon Christensen
Writers: Brandon Christensen, Ryan Christensen
Stars: Jaime M. Callica, Sean Rogerson, Catherine Lough Haggquist
Those officers are Jackson (Jamie M. Callica) and Bryce (Sean Rogerson). They are called to the scene of a domestic dispute. Once they arrive at the address, the men discover a veritable house of horrors. A massive hole in the basement—leading to who knows where—is just one of the disturbing sights they encounter; another unsettling element is a mysterious symbol scrawled on the wall.
During their visit, a tragedy occurs—one involving a deceased infant, so viewer discretion is advised if this subject matter is sensitive or traumatic for you—and the officers' attempt to cover up the incident only serves to intensify the sinister presence associated with the home.
It is difficult to discuss *Bodycam* without venturing into spoiler territory, so the plot description ends here. What can be said without revealing story details is that this film is not for the faint of heart. Christensen goes all in on creating disturbing imagery, jump scares, and an unsettling atmosphere. Although the plot's events lack real-world plausibility, the mounting dread experienced by Jackson and Bryce possesses a ring of authenticity that immediately hooks the viewer.
The use of body cameras—devices designed to remain constantly active—eliminates the primary distraction inherent to the found-footage genre, allowing us to easily suspend our disbelief and fully immerse ourselves in what we are witnessing.
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