Exists (Movie Review)

Exists is the latest Horror movie distributed by Lionsgate released on October 24th, 2014. Written by Jamie Nash (Lovely Molly 2011, V/H/S/2 2013) and directed by Eduardo Sanchez (The Blair Witch Project 1999, Lovely Molly 2012 ), Exists, is another film using the Lost Footage technique, but does so in a way that feels natural. With the Horror genre filled with Zombies, Vampires, or Werewolves of late, it is refreshing that there are one or two films coming through that are focusing on other supernatural creatures as well.

Still from Exists
Still from Exists

Exists tells the story of five friends; Matt (Samuel Davis: Machete Kills 2013, Sin City: A Dame to Kill for 2014), Liz (Denise Wiliamson: Mardi Gras 2011, Blacktino 2011), Brian (Chris Osborn: Stay Inside 2014, A Close Divide 2014), Dora (Dora Madison Burge: Friday Night Lights 2006, Cowgirls ’n Angels 2012), and Todd (Roger Edwards: Spy Kids: 4D 2011, Captain Phillips 2013) who travel far from the city to the woods to spend time in a cabin owned by Brian and Matt’s uncle. On the way there they hit something, but when they stop, since they cannot see anything, they assume it was a deer, and drive on. They hear strange noises coming from the woods but none of them are initially terribly concerned.

When they get to the cabin it is clear that it has not been inhabited for a long time, and several wild animals have been living in there. They sleep in the car the first night, with Todd hearing strange sounds that frequently wake him though he cannot locate the source of the troublesome sound. The next day the group tidy up the cabin, and enjoy some time in the lake, riding mountain bikes, and doing tricks, all the while filming with GoPro cameras.  After hearing several more noises and breaking trees, Brian reveals that he and Matt had stolen the keys to the cabin so they could have fun with their friends; their uncle had seen a strange creature years ago and forbids anyone from visiting the cabin.

Still from Exists
Still from Exists

That evening, as Brian rests in a hammock on the front porch, he tries to communicate with Bigfoot or whatever is out there, which only seems to enrage it.  The group gets scared over night by the noises, and they agree to head home the following morning. Just as they are about to leave they notice that the engine is ripped apart and they cannot leave. Matt heads off on his bike to try and find cell phone signal, but he never quite makes it. The fun weekend the group had planned takes a terrible turn and they seemingly angered Sasquatch, and he is taking out his revenge on them one by one.

Still from Exists
Still from Exists

There is plenty of tension in Exists, and it moves quickly with a good, even pace, and plenty of twists and turns. The ending of the film is something to look out for as it is a complete surprise and is very innovative. The cinematography by John Rutland is magnificent and the audience almost feels as if they are in the woods with the characters. While there are a number of films that start off with a group of friends and ends with them dying in a cabin in the woods, this one is different, so stick with it.  The actors in the film do a terrific job, particularly with such a small cast, with their acting is extremely natural and characters are very real. When the audience eventually get to see the Sasquatch (Brian Steele: Hellboy series), the special effects are incredible, and it looks like a creature, not a person in a creature suit. Exists is a must watch for all Horror fans with plenty of blood and gore but also a great storyline.  CrypticRock gives Exists 5 out of 5 stars.

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Lionsgate

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