A Hidden Gem in Horror: Afflicted
In our “Forgotten Frights” section, we shine a light on horror films that, for various reasons, never reached a wide theatrical release but deserve your attention.
Afflicted tells the story of Derek (Derek Lee) and Cliff (Cliff Prowse), lifelong best friends. Derek receives devastating news: a blood vessel in his brain could rupture at any moment, posing a life-threatening risk. Refusing to passively await his fate, Derek embarks on a round-the-world trip with Cliff, who intends to document their journey. In Paris, Derek meets the captivating Audrey, but after this encounter, he begins to transform. He grows stronger but is burned by sunlight and can only consume human blood.
The early 2010s marked the peak of low-budget found-footage thrillers and horror movies. While such films still surface (like Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones earlier this year), the trend is undeniably waning. This means Afflicted may not receive the recognition it deserves, despite being far superior to many of the films that cashed in on the genre’s popularity.
The Making of a Modern Horror
Afflicted was written, directed, and stars Derek Lee and Cliff Prowse, both newcomers to feature films. These two have been friends since childhood and have a history of making short films, but Afflicted is their first full-length project, funded through crowdfunding. While the final budget remains undisclosed, Lee and Prowse managed to create realistic special effects (fewer than in Chronicle, but nearly as impressive) and excellent makeup. Derek’s gradual transformation into a monster is convincingly portrayed, and practical effects, like a head exploding from a gunshot, rival those in big-budget Hollywood productions.
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Trope
The plot of Afflicted is, admittedly, not groundbreaking. However, the film excels in creating a genuine “you are there” experience through its filming style. Lee and Prowse cleverly diversify the visuals without sacrificing realism. The characters not only film everything handheld but also attach cameras to their bodies. This provides multiple angles for editing and allows for impressive first-person action sequences reminiscent of Biting Elbows’ “Bad Motherfucker” music video (and the upcoming Hardcore Henry). The scene where Derek, unleashing his monstrous side, single-handedly takes down a French SWAT team is unforgettable.
A Star is Born
Afflicted also benefits from its lead actor. Derek Lee is not only a talented filmmaker but also a charismatic performer. While he handles complex emotions with varying success, he is inherently likable, which is crucial for this type of film. Ultimately, expression can be conveyed through a shaky camera.
Afflicted began its journey at genre festivals, where it was consistently well-received. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to secure a wide theatrical release. While home video sales will likely recoup the investment and attract the attention of a major Hollywood studio, Afflicted is more than just a promising debut. It’s a solid, genuinely talented, captivating, and entertaining film that proves even the most overused plot can be revitalized with a fresh approach. And, thanks to modern technology, this can be achieved without a massive budget.